Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Wellmark Plans Steep Premium Increases For Individual Market Customers In Iowa
The insurer's plans don't affect people who get insurance through their workplace, but it sells about three-quarters of the individual policies on Iowa's health insurance exchange. Also, an investigation in Connecticut finds large numbers of insurance denials for mental health care services.
The Des Moines Register: Wellmark Plans 38% To 43% Increases For Some Customers
Tens of thousands of Iowans who buy their own health insurance are about to receive a shock in the mail. Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield is sending letters this week telling about 30,000 customers it plans to raise their premiums by 38 percent to 43 percent next year. (Leys, 5/12)
Connecticut Health I-Team: Rates Of Rejection Rise For Mental Health Care
The rate of denials by the state’s largest managed care insurers of requests for mental health services rose nearly 70 percent between 2013 and 2014, with an average of about one in 12 requests for prescribed treatment initially rejected, a new state report shows. (Chedekel, 5/12)
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