312 Effective dates for small group health insurance rate filings; notice 2012-04?

Effective Dates for Small Group Health Insurance Rate Filings; Notice 2012-04

[42 Pa.B. 1018]
[Saturday, February 18, 2012]

 On December 22, 2011, Governor Tom Corbett signed into law Act 134, formerly Senate Bill 1336. Act 134 gives the Insurance Department (Department) greater authority to review and approve or disapprove rate increases in the small group market. The bill maintains the Department's full authority to review rates for individual products.

 Act 134 requires that an insurer file with the Department rates for small group accident and health insurance policies that it proposes to issue in this Commonwealth. The effective date of Act 134 is March 21, 2012.

 For an insurer with a base rate on file, the initial base rate or base rating formula is the base rate or base rating formula currently on file and approved by the Department as of March 21, 2012. For an insurer with no base rate or base rating formula on file with the Department as of March 21, 2012, the initial base rate or base rating formula will be the base rate or base rating formula that must be filed with the department by no later than May 5, 2012.

 For the initial base rate filing, submit the premium rate tables for all products offered in the small group market. For the initial base rating formula, submit the base rating methodology, including all risk classifications and the associated factors used in pricing small group products.

 Rate quotes made prior to March 21, 2012, to be effective on or after March 21, 2012, are considered to be changes already in progress.

 For any proposed rate changes, or for any rates developed for specific groups that are required to be filed, refer to the Small Group Rate Filing Checklist on the Department's web site at www.insurance.pa.gov.

 Questions concerning this notice may be directed to Peter Camacci, Director, Bureau of Life, Accident and Health Insurance, 1311 Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, PA 17120, [phone], [e-mail].

MICHAEL F. CONSEDINE, 
Insurance Commissioner

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 12-312. Filed for public inspection February 17, 2012, 9:00 a.m.]