Governor Patrick Announces Second Round of Hearings on Small Business Health Care Costs

Governor Deval Patrick continues to focus on reducing health care costs for small businesses in Massachusetts, announcing a second round of hearings to review premium increases. The hearings, led by the Commissioner of Insurance, will address the root causes of premium increases and explore solutions to control costs. Small businesses and working families are feeling the burden of skyrocketing health care costs, and the Governor's initiatives aim to provide relief. "Small businesses and working families need relief from skyrocketing health care costs and they need it now," said Governor Patrick.

Key Takeaways:

• The Commissioner of Insurance will lead a second round of hearings to review premium increases affecting small businesses in Massachusetts.
• The hearings will take place in six locations across the state, including Hyannis, Boston, Pittsfield, Lawrence, Framingham, and Fitchburg, from March 1st to 8th.
• The purpose of the hearings is to control costs and fuel job creation, which is essential for the state's economic recovery.
• Governor Patrick has directed the Division of Insurance to file an emergency regulation requiring health insurance companies to file proposed changes in small business premiums in advance for review and disapproval.
• The Governor's proposal includes additional measures such as legislation to trigger a presumptive disapproval of health insurer rates, oversight of provider rates, and the authority to examine small business health insurance premiums and prevent duplicative or unjustified administrative charges.
• Governor Patrick's plan aims to provide affordable health insurance options for small businesses, including selective network plans with premiums at least 10% lower than the full network product.
• The Governor has invested in various industries and initiatives to promote business growth and job creation, including the Life Sciences, Clean Energy, and infrastructure projects.

Statistics:

• The Governor's bill proposes legislation to trigger a presumptive disapproval of health insurer rates that are significantly above the Consumer Price Index for Medical Services.
• The measure aims to control costs and ensure shared responsibility among providers.
• The Governor's plan empowers the Commissioner to protect small businesses from drastic increases in their premiums driven by changes in the composition of their workforces.
• Governor Patrick's administration has invested in hundreds of infrastructure projects, creating jobs and improving the state's infrastructure.
• The Governor's proposal to freeze Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund contributions will save businesses almost $400 million this year.

Sources:

• Office of the Governor of Massachusetts
• Massachusetts Executive Chamber
• Retailers Association of Massachusetts (statement by Jon Hurst, President)
• Governor Deval Patrick's address to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce (February 10th)