Latest News
May Health Insurance Advisory Council Meeting
Meeting location: RI Public Utilites Commission
2012 Hospital Contracting Conditions Standard Public Meeting
May 17, 2012 at RI DLT
2011 Private Insurance Enrollment Study
This report is the office’s annual installment of the private insurance market study, which examines enrollment trends in commercial, or non-Government, health insurance programs. The report covers data from 2005 to 2011 for the three largest insurers in Rhode Island: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, United Healthcare, and Tufts Health plan.
2012 Assessment Alternatives Study
This report analyzes and studies alternatives to the current special assessments levied upon health insurance premiums, including the child immunization assessment, the adult immunizations assessment, and the children’s health account assessment.
2012 Rate Factor Review for 2013
OHIC has provided the following guidance to the health plans for the annual small and large employer group rate factor filings
2012 Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI Direct Pay Decision Issued
Final Order and Decision issued February 21, 2012
2011 Provider Survey
OHIC has completed its annual survey regarding provider interactions with health insurers. The survey asked physicians to assess health plan performance in several areas.
OHIC Releases Delta Dental Examination Report and Order
The Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner released and Examination Report regarding certain claims payment and claims denial activities at Delta Dental of Rhode Island. In an accompanying Order the Commissioner, Christopher F. Koller, set forth steps Delta Dental needs to take to come into compliance with applicable Rhode Island laws and regulations in several areas, and fined the company $25,000.
2012 Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI Direct Pay Filing
OHIC Releases Affordability Standards Assessment
(December 9, 2011). OHIC has released a report assessing health insurers' compliance to date with the Affordability Standards developed by OHIC in 2009 with the input of its Health Insurance Advisory Council. The standards articulate priority areas for health insurer efforts to make health insurance more affordable in Rhode Island.
Federal Grants Awarded to RI
Rate Review II awarded October 1, 2011 Establishment two awarded November 29, 2011.
RI Dept. of Elderly Affairs/Medicare Assistance
MEGA Market Conduct Examination: 225,000 fine and $ 2.3 Million Restitution Ordered
OHIC analyzes commercial insurance enrollment trends
OHIC estimates that the number of privately insured individuals in RI covered by the three major carriers has declined by 65,000 - or 10% - in the last five years. UHCNE and BCBSRI have both experienced declines in enrollment. More enrollees are receiving their insurance through self insured arrangements
Proposed Regulation 16: Insurance Issued to Trusts and Associations
Notice of proposed amendments and notice of public hearing to be held on April 26, 2011.
Proposed Amendments to Regulation 2:
Powers and Duties of The Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner
Notice of proposed amendments and notice of public hearing to be held on May 4, 2011.
HEALTHpact
Affordable coverage for
RI
Struggling with rising health insurance premiums? Small employers should check out HEALTHpact plans. (click the logo for more information (external link).
What is the OHIC?
The Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC) was established by legislation in 2004 to broaden the accountability of health insurers operating in the state of Rhode Island. Under this legislation, the Office is dedicated to: 1. Protecting consumers
2. Encouraging fair treatment of medical service providers
3. Ensuring solvency of health insurers
4. Improving the health care system’s quality, accessibility and affordability The Office sets and enforces standards for health insurers in each of these four areas.
