rate increases

September 13, 2012 -- Regence BlueCross BlueShield is at it again – this time asking for a 4.3 percent average rate increase for small employers that, if approved, would take effect in January. However, this time around Regence’s request actually represents a 3.9 percent decrease from previously approved rates by the Oregon Insurance Division. .

May 10, 2012 -- Small business owners insured by Health Net could see their premiums increase by an average of 8.8 percent starting August 1.If HealthNet’s proposal is approved, it would affect 38,492 Oregonians – nearly 29 per cent of its 134,000 members across Oregon and Washington. The rate hike is necessary, according to HealthNet,because its prescription costs have risen by 11 percent and medical costs by 8.9 percent since 2011.

April 2, 2012 -- Small employers who have coverage through Providence Health Plans will see their rates climb, on average, by 2.2 percent starting August 1. The rate hike will impact about 30,000 people over nine months, and range between 1.88 and 5.4 percent.“We're doing all we possibly can to get our rate increases to as low a figure as possible,” said Jack Friedman, CEO of Providence Health Plans.