801 Highmark, Inc. d/b/a Highmark Blue Shield; medically underwritten direct pay PPO high deductible health plans (central region); rate filing

Highmark, Inc. d/b/a Highmark Blue Shield; Medically Underwritten Direct Pay PPO High Deductible Health Plans (Central Region); Rate Filing

[36 Pa.B. 2257]

   On April 18, 2006, the Insurance Department (Department) received from Highmark Blue Shield Filing No. 1A-HDHP/CDP/MU-06-HBS for a rate increase for Medically Underwritten Direct Pay PPO High Deductible Health Plans in the Central Pennsylvania region.

   The filing requests an average rate increase of 6.50% or $14.69 per contract per month. This will affect about 2,500 contract holders and will produce additional premium income of about $37,000 monthly. The requested effective date of the change is October 1, 2006.

   Unless formal administrative action is taken prior to July 20, 2006, the subject filing may be deemed approved by operation of law.

   A copy of the filing is available on the Department's website at www.ins.state.pa.us. Under the Quick Links section, click on the link ''Rate Filings Published in the PA Bulletin.''

   Copies of the filing are also available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal working hours at the Department's regional office in Harrisburg.

   Interested parties are invited to submit written comments, suggestions or objections to James Sabater, Insurance Department, Insurance Product Regulation and Market Enforcement, Room 1311, Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, PA 17120, [e-mail] within 30 days after publication of this notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

M. DIANE KOKEN,   
Insurance Commissioner

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 06-801. Filed for public inspection May 5, 2006, 9:00 a.m.]