On March 1, 2022 Cigna filed a request to increase third and fourth quarter rates for a block of off-exchange small group health plans, policies for employers with 50 or fewer workers. The average increase for those that enrolled in the third and fourth quarter of 2021 (not offered before then) varies by plan from 7.0% to 8.7%. The rates would take effect in the third quarter of 2022. This change does not impact Q1 2022 or Q2 2022 rates as filed and approved in September 2021.

There are approximately 875 people covered under these policies that enrolled during the third and fourth quarter of 2021. The total covered lives is approximately 1,377.

The company stated the main drivers of the increase were medical inflation and unit cost changes of medical services year over year, as well as COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on medical trend.

After Actuarial review, the Department disapproved the increased rates, as filed, but approved revised rates with a 6.6-8.3% increase. The change in trend for Q3 and Q4 was found to be reasonable after review of the historical experience and company justification. A claims load adjustment was not allowed as the Department only allows Q3 and Q4 changes to reflect changes in the trend assumption and/or network contracting.

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