Michigan payers are seeking rate increases for their 2022 plans as healthcare spending returns to normal in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Detroit Free Press reported July 20.
Small group policies for companies with fewer than 51 employees have proposed an average 7.1 percent increase, while individual policies want an average 4.5 percent increase. Proposed rate increases for 2021 were substantially lower as members put off physician visits and elective procedures due to COVID-19, resulting in fewer claims.
Payers seeking higher rates include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Priority Health.
The state's small group plans currently have 423,177 enrollees, while its individual plans cover 318,913 residents, the article said.