On January 31, 2020 Anthem filed a request to decrease second, third and fourth quarter rates for a block of on and off exchange small group health plans, policies for employers with 50 or fewer workers.

The proposed average decrease by quarter is 0.96%, 1.62% and 2.44% for quarter two, three and four respectively. The rates would take effect in the second quarter of 2020. The overall average rate change across all quarters of 2020 rates versus 2019 rates will be a 12.8% increase, which compares to a 14.3% average increase approved in September of 2019.

There are approximately 5,400 people covered under these policies currently in force in Connecticut.

The company stated it requested the decrease to account mainly for the removal of the health insurance provider fee for the portion of the plan year in 2021 that the fee was included as part of the 2020 premium. The collection of the Affordable Care Act provider fee was repealed for calendar years beginning after December 31, 2020, and State of Connecticut Bulletin No. HC-127 communicated the requirement that all group carriers with impacted 2020 rates refile second, third and fourth quarter rates.

Upon actuarial review, the Department approved the proposed decrease on February 6, 2020.

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