DC Insurers File Proposed Rates for 2021 Health Plans

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25th Council session information coming soon.

DC Insurers File Proposed Rates for 2021 Health Plans

May 21, 2020, 08:00 AM by MSDC Staff

DISB announced Wednesday that the four major payers have filed proposed rates for DC Health Link plans for 2021.

On Wednesday, the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) announced it has received proposed health insurance plan rates for the four mayor payers in advance of the 2021 open enrollment period for DC Health Link.

According to the press release, DISB received proposals from Aetna, CareFirst, Kaiser Permanente, and United Healthcare. Overall, 188 plans were filed, an increase of seven from last year. The number of small group plans increased from 156 to 163 but the number of individual plans remained static at 25.

You can see the proposed rates here.

Per the press release:

In the individual market, CareFirst proposed an average increase of 14.7 percent for HMO plans and an average decrease of 0.6 percent for PPO plans. Kaiser proposed an average decrease of 2.0 percent. For small group plans, CareFirst filed average rate increases of 1.1 percent for HMO plans and an average decrease of 1.6 percent for the PPO plans. Kaiser small group rates proposed, on average, no change from the prior year. Aetna filed for an average increase of 7.4 percent for HMO plans and 38.0 percent for PPO plans. Finally, United proposed an average increase of 17.4 percent and 10.3 percent for its two HMOs and 11.4 percent for its PPO plans.

“In keeping with the Bowser Administrations efforts to support residents and small business owners, it is the Department’s duty to ensure that rates are fair and adhere to District law,” said DISB Acting Commissioner Karima Woods. “The rate review process allows us to work with our insurance companies to evaluate their proposals so that the District's insurance rates are adequate and not excessive or unfairly discriminatory.”

The proposed rates are now open for public comment; those wishing to comment on the rate changes may do so by emailing HealthRate.Comments@dc.gov.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.