UnitedHealthCare asks Ore. regulator to okay 16.8% rate hike on small business. To affect 14,068

DCBS:

The Oregon Insurance Division must approve the rates of all health benefits plans in the individual, small employer and portability markets.

Rate Request:  Proposed rate increase: 16.8 percent from one year earlier.  Effective date: 2/1/2011  Oregonians impacted: 14,068 (actual membership as of July 2010)

Basis for rate request  Medical and prescription costs: Medical costs increased by 13.5% percent since 4/01/2009 to 3/31/2010 and prescription costs increased by 12.5% percent during the same period.  Medical and prescription benefits: Dependents to age 26 and 100% Preventive coverage are now covered for all groups.

Five-year rate history  2/1/2007: 11.8% Increase  2/1/2008: 11.8% Increase  2/1/2009: 14.1% Increase  2/1/2010: 14.3% Increase  2/1/2011: 16.8% Increase

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