HHS-Announces Grant Funds for State Rate Review Programs

On February 24, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the availability of $200 million in new grant funds for states to develop rate review programs in response to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions requiring HHS, in conjunction with the states, to establish a process for annual review of “unreasonable” rate increases. The new grants will supplement the $46 million received by states in August 2010 to help enhance their rate review procedures. In December 2010, HHS proposed a rule requiring all premium rate increases of more than 10 percent for individual or small group plans be reviewed by states and HHS.

To see the Department's announcement click here.