Vile and disgusting. Perhaps Mr. Burrells salary is a HUGE part of the problem. Noting Carefirsts net profit they should all be thrown in jail.
        Location: Baltimore MD    Date: 5/5/2017

Documents: None   

I am wholeheartedly against such staggering rate increases immediately on the heals of a previous rate hike in 2017. I feel that a fifty percent increase in premiums is not justifiable and is merely an attempt on the part of insurance companies, like Carefirst to squeeze the consumer. The timing of this announcement is also highly suspect given the passage of the horrendous Trumpcare bill yesterday in the House. I feel that the insurance commission should put a moratorium on premium rate increases until more is known on the status of the AHCA in the Senate or until such time as a new health bill becomes federal law.
    Submitted By: Dana Schallheim    Location: Severna Park MD    Date: 5/5/2017

Documents: None   

As self-employed small family business owners, we have had Carefirst individual insurance for 15 years. Our rates skyrocketed 50 percent in 2017, and now Carefirst wants to do it again in 2018. We have the bottom of the line, highest deductible Bronze HMO. We cannot afford another several thousand dollars in insurance premiums. Please do not do this to us again.
    Submitted By: Tanya Roche    Location: Laurel MD    Date: 5/6/2017

Documents: None   

I am self-employed and purchase insurance on my own. I do not purchase insurance for anyone else but me, and I already pay $275 a month on insurance and have a $6500 deductible. Every time I visit my primary care doctor, for any complaint, other than a yearly physical, I pay upwards of $200 for just the visit, never mind whatever she prescribes me in medication. I have been blessed to not be seriously ill or I would be bankrupt by now. I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY A SINGLE DIME MORE ON INSURANCE. It is unconscionable that I am paying as much as I am now and for essentially NOTHING. Please, for the sake of all our lives, do not rase the insurance rates.
        Location: Waldorf MD    Date: 5/7/2017

Documents: None   

I am writing in regard to the requested health insurance rate increases for 2018 specifically as it applies to Blue Cross Blue Choice. It seems as though all of the rate increases that have been requested puts an unusually high burden on people with individual policies and I am assuming most of these people are older retired or much younger and possibly just coming off of their parents policy. Maybe some of the increase could be spread more evenly among small companies as well so the individuals policy holders do not see such an incredibly high increase. Not to mention that last years increase was about 23 percent for individuals. It appears that unless the coverage is significantly improved or the deductibles are significantly lower the only people who benefit from these increases are the insurance companies.
    Submitted By: Becky Warner    Location: Baltimore MD    Date: 5/8/2017

Documents: None   

A 50 percent rate hike on top of the 30 percent hike last year is unconscionable. Compare the CareFirst requested rate hikes with those of the other companies listed. They are wildly disproportionate. One has to question what is going on at CareFirst and who will benefit from these massive increases. No additional services are proposed, as far as I can tell. It appears that CareFirst is acting in concert with the Administration to drive Americans into poverty, forcing them to choose between food and housing, and medical care. Hundred of thousands will die prematurely. I myself am caring for an elderly parent and cannot work. I am trying to survive on Social Security, and CareFirst takes 30 percent of that check. I do not expect to have health insurance next year. Please also not that the documents supposedly available on the Sample Rates and Publications tab cannot be opened with the Adobe Reader, as indicated, nor with any other program I have been able to discover.
        Location: Baltimore MD    Date: 5/8/2017

Documents: None   

These rates are doing EXACTLY what the Obamacare designers had planned from Day 1. They will go up even more the year after if Obamacare is not stopped. Obamacare was DESIGNED to fail so that everyone would eventually beg for single payer which was always their ultimate goal. The Obamacare plan was to create a system where more and more healthy people would choose to go without insurance every year... leaving only sicker people behind still in the plan. Watch rates skyrocket. Then the next year... repeat the cycle when even more healthy people say... I am tired of pulling the wagon. I will go without health insurance that I cannot afford. I will just pay the penalty. My 2018 three person family premium will be 2696 a month. That is more than my mortgage and car payment combined. For what. A policy with a 6550 per person deductible that I will never reach. I do not need to keep pulling this wagon. What was my premium before Obamacare... 350 per month.. with a family of 4 and a 1000 deductible. Thanks Obama. Thanks Democrats. Sorry about the lack of punctuation. This stupid website does not allow any punctuation other than a period. Not even a comma. Nice.
    Submitted By: Emil H    Location: Ellicott City MD    Date: 5/8/2017

Documents: None   

If this goes through, my insurance rate will go up $155/month AGAIN. AGAIN because it already went up $150/month for 2017. You can guarantee that I will drop CareFirst if this is approved. You can only squeeze so much - until there is nothing left.
    Submitted By: B Hall    Location: Taneytown MD    Date: 5/8/2017

Documents: None   

Add to the chorus of those who are appalled by this request, and those of us who FEAR this request. CareFirst appears to be squeezing every last dime out of its customers before the laws change. Every year it is the same thing... increase in premium with a decrease in benefits.
        Location: Potomac MD    Date: 5/10/2017

Documents: None   

A rate increase of this nature would cause young healthy people like myself to drop my insurance all together and therefore make if more expensive to cover the elderly sick patients
    Submitted By: Elizabeth Mayers    Location: Silver Spring MD    Date: 5/10/2017

Documents: None   

Please see the attached comment from Jerry Quinn.
    Submitted By: Jerry Quinn    Location: Baltimore MD    Date: 5/11/2017

Documents:   

As a self employed individual my insurance has gone up an average of 17 percent a year. Thats for the last 15 to 20 years. A 2018 rate increase of 50 percent is untenable. By the time I will qualify for Medicare my monthly premiums will be approximately 2,500 to 3,000 a month. That is the cost for a nice house mortgage. Something has to change. Only the very rich will be able to have insurance coverage.
        Location: Baltimore MD    Date: 5/15/2017

Documents: None   

Are you really going to allow these rate increases to continue at 50-60% Last year my premium went from $710 a month to $1158 a month and next year it will be what $1,600 month. This is completely unacceptable. And yet the insurers are still making money hand over fist. Maybe not in the healthcare exchanges but that was part of the deal wasn't it.
    Submitted By: Jim Honsberger    Location: Sykesville MD    Date: 5/15/2017

Documents: None   

I am writing regarding the proposed increase of rates for 2018. I currently have Carefirst. Under Obamacare our rates went from approximately $5000 year for my husband and myself with a $2000 deductible to our current rates of $16,000 year with a $6500 deductible each. We basically are paying for two one each exams per year now Carefirst wants an increase. Are you kidding me. If you walked into a doctors office every year and they charged you $8000 for a physical would you even have one. We are both in our early 60s and in good health, aside from our annual physicals we do not use the insurance. Needless to say, I think $16000 per year for two people is outrageous and now they are asking for another increase. They increased our insurance by 40% from 2016 to 2017. How are we supposed to pay for this should we sell our house, go without food, go without heat, not pay our other bills, forget paying the mortgage while the management of Carefirst walks away with a pay raise. We have worked our entire lives to provide for ourselves and hopefully a reasonable retirement. Any service that is increased year over year has internal problems and yet they expect the consumer to pay for their mistakes. I hope that our Insurance Commissioner understands that ANY INCREASE IS NOT OKAY let alone such an outrageous one. I sell property and casualty insurance for a living and I can guarantee that if auto and home prices were increased the percentage health insurance has been increased year over year people would be taking to the streets to object or driving without coverage.
    Submitted By: John Aellen    Location: Baltimore MD    Date: 5/15/2017

Documents: None   

Simply put: How can other companies survive with asking for smaller increases? Maybe someone needs to re-evaluate how Carefirst operates. I remember the big payout to Mr. Jews several years ago. Maybe we are still paying for it?
    Submitted By: tony mont    Location: Baltimore MD    Date: 5/19/2017

Documents: None   

Please see the attached letter from Mrs. Hazelwood.
    Submitted By: Nancy Hazelwood    Location: Catonsville MD    Date: 5/24/2017

Documents:   

While I completely understand that price adjustments and increases are sometimes necessary, a 50% increase in 2018 coming off of last year's 50% increase puts this insurance into the completely unaffordable category. I work full time and am in reasonably good health. Unfortunately, my employer doesn't pay for my insurance, so I finance this completely on my own. I don't qualify for any subsidies at this point. A huge increase like this will put me in a situation where I'll have to choose to risk it and go uninsured or work a second job to pay for healthcare. While this same conversation is playing out at a terrifying level on a national stage, I urge you to look at other state-level options. Thank you.
    Submitted By: Samuel     Location: Towson MD    Date: 5/25/2017

Documents: None   

There is no reason for rate hikes except to line the pockets of the shareholders.
    Submitted By: Allison Weaver    Location: Baltimore MD    Date: 5/25/2017

Documents: None   

Please pleas, please reject the proposed rate increase. After a lifetime of being covered by employer-provided health insurance, I opened my own business two years ago and began purchasing private insurance through the ACA. I am a healthy married woman age 62. In 2016 my rate as a single adult was 625 dollars per month. In 2107 the rate increased to 825 dollars per month with a 1500 dollar deductible. If that rate doubles I looking at nearly 20,000 dollars per year for health insurance. The proposed increase is as high as 57 percent. I simply will not do it. Instead, I will transfer my care to a private pay practice and hope that I do not have a catastrophic injury or illness before I am eligible for Medicare in three years. I cannot even begin to tell you how much anxiety and stress this situation is causing me. Also, it is ridiculous to solicit comments on a forum that does not allow special characters, apparently including punctuation marks and dollar signs.
    Submitted By: Eileen Powrs    Location: Annapolis MD    Date: 5/25/2017

Documents: None   

My husband and I have both been self-employed for more than a decade and have watched our rate skyrocket.We currently pay close to $24,000/year in premiums. It is insane to increase our coverage by another $10,000/year. That is almost as much as the median income for a family in the state. How can anyone afford this kind of coverage? I understand that BC is in the business of making money- not providing health services- but a slightly lower profit will not kill anyone but an increase in premiums can make it impossible for people to continue to afford coverage and that CAN result in deaths. Shame on BC and the insurance industry.
    Submitted By: Aviva Nebesky    Location: Bowie MD    Date: 5/25/2017

Documents: None   

The proposed 50% rate increase on premiums for individual buyers is absurd and inhumane. There is no way I - as an individual purchasing insurance for myself - would be able to afford such a staggering increase. I would be forced to switch my insurance provider or choose a 'junk' insurance plan or go without insurance. These are the choices that are before me if this absurd increase is approved on top of double digit percentage increases over the last 3 years. Maryland should do all in its power to ensure there are NO increases to premiums in 2018.
    Submitted By: Marc D    Location: Hyattsville MD    Date: 5/28/2017

Documents: None   

http://www.maryland.gov My husband and I both own our businesses, so we purchase our own insurance. This is unsustainable. Carefirst quoted us for this year, 2017, a monthly premium of over $1000 for a $6500 deductible for each of the four of us. That's college savings and more going out the door for insurance premiums. None of us have ever reached $6500 in medical costs. It does not make good financial sense to purchase this insurance. I put my husband and children on a non-ACA insurance plan, but because I have a pre-existing condition, I could not go on that plan. I picked the cheapest Kaiser plan, which also has a $6500 deductible. I am not using the Kaiser plan, but still going to my own doctors and paying out of pocket. We were fine before Obamacare and went to the doctor when needed. Now, insurance is a big problem and we avoid going to doctors because we pay out of pocket in addition to essentially worthless monthly premiums.
        Location: Towson MD    Date: 5/29/2017

Documents: None   

When I saw the news that BlueCross BlueShield was asking for a 50% premium increase, my reaction was first dismay, then anxiety, then tears. Such an increase would mean my premiums will effectively double in the few years since ACA has been signed into law. I have already been through several double-digit percentage increases, and 50% is not only a staggering increase, but unduly burdensome. I make a comfortable living, and I budget my money responsibly, but I'm not sure how I'm going to absorb the cost of this increase. I'm discouraged, because I'm not eligible for a subsidy, this increase could effectively push me off health insurance. It's ironic and unfortunate that a law that was meant to.ensure access to health care is having the opposite effect for me and countless other Marylanders. If premiums increase at a rate faster than salaries, year-after-year, this renders health insurance unaffordable. I respectfully implore the Maryland Insurance Administration to find BlueCross BlueShield's request unreasonable and to limit them to increases that are in keeping with rates of economic growth. Thank you for your consideration. Elizabeth R Miller 4808 Moorland Lane, unit 614 Bethesda MD 20814
    Submitted By: Elizabeth Miller    Location: Bethesda MD    Date: 6/2/2017

Documents: None   

Please don't let this go through just can't pay anymore. I will along with my daughter to go without. Did not want to go on assistance trying to pay my own way. It was very tough this year with last increase..people are going to die because can't see a doctor because cost of insurance and doctors won't even see someone without.
    Submitted By: Bonnie Snyder    Location: Brooklyn MD    Date: 6/5/2017

Documents: None   

A 50% increase in premiums is unjustifiable. It is going to harm families that depend on the Obamacare markets for health insurance. BlueChoice would be better off simply exiting the market. Obamacare has done more to hold down health insurance rates than any other effort, and repealing it will only take us back to the time eight short years ago when private insurance was only available to healthy, young people who were also left bankrupt when coverage left them hanging. Had Republicans not spent eight years drilling holes in the boat, we wouldn't all be scrambling for life jackets now.
    Submitted By: Carrie Wajda    Location: Rockville MD    Date: 6/5/2017

Documents: None   

This increase request is obscene, particularly after the huge increases in prior years. People in my age group, over 60, are the hardest hit. I don't see any evidence that the actual cost of medical care has increased anywhere near as much as insurance premiums have. While I have several medical conditions, which used to mean I was stuck in the high risk pool, none are life threatening and do not require high cost care, yet my premiums are now in the stratosphere. This can't continue, it is destroying people's ability to pay for housing, food, etc. and even making them think twice about getting needed care. In my case the important thing is to get regular care to prevent something bad happening, but costs like this will no doubt give me pause, even if it risks my health.
        Location: Gaithersburg MD    Date: 6/5/2017

Documents: None   

I am a small business of one. I have to purchase my own insurance and currently, my plan is over 800 per month. I work part time and am otherwise retired. This is an unacceptable increase. I can't afford to pay 1,600 per month,which does not include my prescription drugs that cost me about 200 per month. I don't make that much money and I'm not old enough for Medicaid. If this happens, I will just have to drop your plans.
    Submitted By: Cecilia Plante    Location: Olney MD    Date: 6/5/2017

Documents: None   

As self-employed small business owners, our family cannot afford another rate increase of this magnitude fresh on the heels of the enormous increase we saw last year. We do not qualify for subsidies, and this year had to downgrade our plan to a Bronze HMO and even in this new, least expensive plan we pay 1050 per month with a 6550 deductible. With the proposed rate increase, we would be paying over 1500 per month for health insurance. For those of us who are not shielded from these increases by subsidies, the impact is absolutely terrifying. Please please do what you can to fix this market and the exchanges. I don't know where else we will turn if this rate increase is approved.
    Submitted By: Kristen Sterbenz    Location: Kensington MD    Date: 6/5/2017

Documents: None   

To Whom It May Concern: Hello the Republicans new Health Care Bill will only work if health insurance companies KEEP THEIR PREMIUMS DOWN $210.00 a month not $1,000 month. HIGH HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS CAUSED OBAMACARE TO COME INTO EXISTENCE. So please keep the health insurance premiums down and do not let the health insurance companies PRICE GOUGH. Especially for the elderly, those that make a fixed or low income or those with preexisting conditions. Sincerely All Secular Francicans, all Knights of Columbus and all those that cannot or will not speak for themselves.
        Location: Saint Petersburg FL    Date: 6/6/2017

Documents: None   

I am extremely angry at the CareFirst request to raise premiums for their individual plans by over 50 percent. I am incredulous that they could actually succeed in this endeavor. My husband, daughter, and I have had CareFirst individual policies for many years. None of us qualifies for a subsidy, but are finding it increasingly difficult to afford higher and higher premiums for plans that offer no additional benefits. Five years ago, CareFirst raised their premiums 50 percent without increasing benefits. In total, their premiums have increased 100 percent over the last 5 years with absolutely no change in the benefits. These are not even ACA plans as we had them prior to the ACA and they were grandfathered in. If they are allowed to raise premiums, it seems that the only one who will benefit from the increased revenue is the CEO. He should not be allowed to increase his vast wealth by placing an undue burden on people who need health insurance. Please put a stop to this obscene request.
        Location: Rockville MD    Date: 6/11/2017

Documents: None   

I was contacted by the broker who helped me navigate the MD Insurance marketplace that a 51% increase in premiums has been proposed to the MD Ins. Commission. I am baffled and horrified that such a thing would be happening in my home state. It jeopardizes the most vulnerable of our citizens including myself. I have spent the past 2 years caretaking my mother and haven't had a job during this time. This proposed hike smacks of out and out hatred for Present Obama and for working class Americans. Surely our state can do better.
    Submitted By: Alexandre Carreras    Location: Frederick MD    Date: 6/12/2017

Documents: None   

I have looked at the documents filed by CF/BC, and while I admit I do not completely understand them, I certainly see no justification for the huge premium increases they are requesting for 2018. I am semi-retired in my mid-50s. My income is sporadic and quite low. I could go on Medicaid, but I would prefer to pay for the service of health insurance. Fortunately I do have ample savings to draw from in order to pay my current premium. But if my premium jumps from the current $466 to $731 in 2018, I will have to reconsider the Medicaid option.
    Submitted By: Jeffrey Kerwin    Location: Hagerstown MD    Date: 6/12/2017

Documents: None   

My husband and I are small business owners. Any company benefits that exist for us come out of our own pocket. Our ACA premium for my family of four nearly doubled from 2016 to 2017. We have purchased the CHEAPEST plan on the exchange which carries a 13100 deductible for the family. In 2016 our premium was $638.71 and now in 2017 it is $1109.62 or $13115.44 annually. My family is on ZERO prescriptions. Other than our annual physicals, we had one doctor visit in 2016. In looking at my family budget I find this insane. Wouldn't we better off putting that annual premium into a mutual fund. Now I read on this website that CareFirst BlueChoice is proposing a 50.40 percent increase for 2018. It does not break it down by age, so for our age bracket, it could be twice as high as the proposed increase, as happened to us last year. If it increases by just 50.4 percent, that means our premiums will be $20,026 annually. Maryland needs to immediately offer a single-payer state plan for individuals to purchase. Maryland cannot participate in ACA anymore. The prices are unsustainable. It is unconscionable to have such high premiums for a high deductible plan. This form was not easy to use. It kept rejecting my comment due to ordinary punctuation usage.
    Submitted By: MARGARET JOHNSON    Location: Germantown MD    Date: 6/13/2017

Documents: None   

I am a 34 year old female who works for a public charter school in Baltimore City. We technically employ less than 50 people, although more than 50 people work at our school. Therefore, my employer does not offer health insurance, and I have been on the individual market for 8 years. I pay over $400 per month for myself and my 13 year old son. Our premiums already increased substantially last year, while the quality of my coverage has been declining--we are now up to a $6,550 per person deductible, or a $13,100 deductible for our family. This is the best insurance I can afford, and it is outrageous. CareFirst is already making money hand over fist on our family, as it would take something catastrophic for us to reach our deductible. My son's ADHD meds cost hundreds of dollars out of pocket each month, and it costs me $65-$75 every time one of us needs to go to the doctor. Another increase of this magnitude is untenable. I'm truly not sure what we would do. It's terrifying to contemplate going without health insurance, but how can I can continue to pay such a huge chunk of my income for something that would only benefit us in the unlikely event of a truly horrific health emergency? I already have to skip or postpone doctor's visits as it is because of our enormous deductible, and I'm not sure that I can continue to afford my son's medicine.
    Submitted By: Lisa Eimer    Location: Nottingham MD    Date: 6/15/2017

Documents: None   

Please the attached comment from Consumer Health First
    Submitted By: Jeananne Sciabarra    Location: Baltimore MD    Date: 6/20/2017

Documents:   

Please see the attached letter from the Maryland Hospital Association
    Submitted By: Maansi Raswant    Location: Elkridge MD    Date: 6/20/2017

Documents:   

These continuing yearly rate hikes are despicable and will end up killing people who can no longer afford any insurance. BCBS has been a good company for a long time, but the greed has now gotten way out of hand not to mention everyones pocket. My 2 sons are on the ACA and their work salaries barely cover the current increased again premiums, any monthly meds - without which one of them would be dead, and doctor visits. They can not save anything for rent, for a car, for school, nothing. This constant barrage of annual rate increases MUST STOP NOW. The profit going to Blue Cross vs needed life or death health care is a terrible choice to make each year. And note that SALARIES DO NOT INCREASE BY 50 PER CENT. My sons will need to go without insurance very, very soon. And the blood of one will be on the heads of those in charge at Blue Cross. Thank you.
    Submitted By: Giselle Hersh    Location: Rockville MD    Date: 6/20/2017

Documents: None   

Attached please find comments from Dan Meszler
    Submitted By: Dan Meszler    Location: Abingdon MD    Date: 6/22/2017

Documents:   

I'm not certain if you are the best person to contact but I am increasingly worried about health insurance costs, particularly given the draconian rate increases that CareFirst is once again seeking in Maryland. I work two part time jobs and do not get health insurance through either employer. This year, I switched from a PPO to an HMO because the PPO rates outrageously went up more than 70 percent if I recall correctly, it would have been a 77 percent increase if I had stayed on that plan, and would have cost me approximately $775 per month with a $6,550 deductible. That's for a single person, not a family. CareFirst reportedly now is seeking a 50 percent increase for 2018, which would bring my HMO monthly premium to approximately $825 a month, with a likely increase to the $6,550 deductible. I have real fears that my health insurance will exceed my mortgage and condo fees combined, comprising an unrealistic chunk of my income. I would very much appreciate you if could pass my concerns to the regulators who make the decisions. I fear that if the ACA is decimated, things will get worse, and truly hope Maryland will, as it did prior to the ACA, ensure that the state's residents can find affordable health insurance.
    Submitted By: Debra Rubin    Location: Silver Spring MD    Date: 6/23/2017

Documents: None   

Please Blue Choice Individual will be so expensive for me, a 61 year old woman that is retired, worked hard, saved her money, done all the right things. I just wanted to have enough savings in case i needed nursing home care. Health insurance premiums will deplete my savings in no time at these unfair rates. I am very afraid for my future.
        Location: Abell MD    Date: 6/27/2017

Documents: None   

The increased rates of CareFirst are absolutely ridiculous. Perhaps if CEO's weren't being paid salaries in the millions each year, our rates would be better. On the Marketplace in Garrett County, at least 95 percent of those enrolled have a CareFirst plan - most of which can't afford to use it. MIA -please don't allow this greed to continue. 50 percent increase should not be acceptable when cost of living doesn't even go up by a half percent for those on social security
    Submitted By: Lisa     Location: Swanton MD    Date: 6/29/2017

Documents: None   

This proposed rate increase is patently ridiculous. The increase for 2017 was astonishing and the notion that any competent entity would allow another increase of this magnitude is shameful. If even one tenth of this percentage were to be approved, I would simply have to go without insurance. And I suspect I would have a lot of company, especially in my age group. I am 60. Oh, and by the way, has it occurred to anyone that these outrageous rates are contributing to age discrimination in the workplace?? It's hard enough to find a job at this stage in life. Now the employers are trying harder than ever to avoid seniors because they can't, or won't, pay these premiums either. I have paid into the insurance marketplace for years and hardly ever needed care. But I believed in being insured. Now that the assurance of available care is more important than ever, I can no longer afford it. What, exactly, does this company have to gain by the complete obliteration of the insurance industry in this country, because that's where this sort of behavior is taking us. People can only struggle so much in order to pay these premiums. If it comes down to food and shelter or health insurance, people are not going to be able to choose the insurance. Please do not raise the rates again this year. At all. There needs to be a correction for the carnage of last year. In the meantime, I suggest that this insurance company review some of its policies that are allowing providers to collect inappropriate payments. Perhaps they can satisfy their balance sheets this way. For instance, did you know that many providers are billing twice when a member uses their annual physical benefit? They feel that they should be paid for a very generic checkup, but then if the patient so much as asks a question, about a medication or even a simple symptom, they bill again for a second office visit. On the same day. At the same time. And the company pays. Don't be charging me for this type of fraud. Please do not approve this rate increase for the coming year. Thank you for reading.
        Location: Rockville MD    Date: 6/29/2017

Documents: None   

I am a self-employed individual who purchases insurance through the Maryland Health Exchange. In the upcoming year I will be 60 years of age and my 2018 premium for the least expensive CareFirst HMO Bronze Plan with a 6550.00 dollars deductible has a proposed increase of 56.78 percent from 567.79 dollars per month to 890.19 dollars per month. This is on top of last year's astronomical premium increase of 71.69 percent for the same plan, from 330.71 dollars per month to 567.79 dollars per month. It is abhorrent and unconscionable to have increases of this magnitude two years in a row and I humbly request that the Maryland Insurance Administration carefully review said rate increase proposal and the supporting documentation submitted as it is pricing individuals like myself out of the health insurance market.
        Location: Silver Spring MD    Date: 6/30/2017

Documents: None   

These rate requests are unconscionably high. They will impose a hardship upon people who must purchase their coverage through the individual market. CareFirst Blue Cross is supposed to be a non-profit organization acting in the public interest. To the extent that this organization gouges the public in the cost of premiums for coverage, that is not acting in the public interest. Surely CareFirst can request a rate increase that reflects the risks of the Trump Administration's inconsistencies and the risks of the health pool that does not overwhelm the members of the public who depend upon their individual coverage. The Maryland Insurance Administration should deny CareFirst's extreme request and limit any increase to no more than 25%.
    Submitted By: Harvey Blank    Location: Gaithersburg MD    Date: 7/16/2017

Documents: None   

I am a part- time employed mother of three elementary school age children. My husband lost healthcare coverage from his employment in 2016. I do not qualify for health insurance through my work. At this point, my spouse and I were faced with a decision to obtain health insurance through the individual market and obtained other healthcare coverage for our children. The latter part of 2016, I received a letter from Carefirst BCBS stating that the health insurance premium would increase in 2017. My husband made the decision to drop his health insurance , because the premium rose from $444.70 to $733.86. I have continued top maintain my individual health insurance despite financial challenges while striving to support a household of 5 persons. This proposed 2nd insurance rate increase would be furthering devastating to my household. The health insurance premiums do not need to be increased, but kept at an affordable rate as well as provide essential health plan benefits to maintain a healthy life. The health insurance companies need to put themselves in our shoes. THINK ABOUT THE HUMAN LIVES IMPACTED BY THESE CHANGES AND NOT JUST THE FINANCIAL ASPECT. Make Healthcare Affordable
    Submitted By: Bumi Akinfolarin    Location: Baltimore MD    Date: 7/17/2017

Documents: None   

I am not unsympathetic to the insurers' dilemma in proposing rates in such an uncertain healthcare landscape, but those rates must still stay within reason, and a hike of 50 percent cannot be deemed reasonable under any scenario. I predict it will have the opposite effect as more policyholders will simply flee to other insurers or flee the market altogether. It is in CareFirst's best business interest to make its rates sustainable by its policyholders, not drive them away. Perhaps CareFirst should trim those expenses it can control, cut back on expensive advertising and public relations, cut back on fancy C suite salaries, bonuses and perks, and lay off dozens of its surly, incompetent staff who seem dedicated to frustrating policyholders' attempts to seek actual information.
    Submitted By: Nan Wellins    Location: Silver Spring MD    Date: 7/29/2017

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Good luck with your 10/23 hearing on the non-CSR rates. I will not force you sit through my spiel again, so enjoy the peace. The posted non-CSR rate document is not correct and appears to be a copy of the previously approved with CSR 2018 rates, so it is not even really possible to gauge rate impacts. Regardless, it is clear that the request will be approved for obvious regulatory reasons. Nevertheless, at some point EVERYONE must start treating the ACA as the flawed program that it is. Individuals and families that do not receive support ARE being hurt and ARE being forced to make risky decisions. Continuing to characterize the program as something we just need to work through is just sweeping reality under the rug. Silver paren or Bronze or Gold close paren plans are not quote middle of the road plans with moderate premiums and costs unquote paren Baltimore Sun, 10/21/17 close paren. For my family of three, a quote moderate unquote silver plan would carry a premium of 26,564 dollars BEFORE any non-CSR increases apply. The cheapest Bronze plan premium is 22,117 dollars. Most people I know would consider neither premium to be moderate. Continuing to push a regulatory definition of adjectives such as moderate is not helpful and, by desensitizing the unaffected population, does a big injustice to those of us negotiating this ultra slow motion train wreck. Anyway, carry on. I'll see you next year for another round of premium increases as will undoubtedly occur for a program with absolutely zero controls on the cost side of the ledger. If only I could get one of my clients to agree to an open ended contract that I could just bill to without concern or question. Please update your site to allow special characters as writing without them is absurd.
    Submitted By: Dan Meszler    Location: Abingdon MD    Date: 10/22/2017

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I would like to put in my two cents about the state of health insurance in Maryland since the Affordable Care Act was passed. This law has caused our family more loss and more stress than any I can think of. We are a family unit of husband, wife and 4 children. Our insurance rates have already tripled since the passage of Obamacare, despite the fact that we have also tripled our deductible. And now the rates are supposed to go up even further? Our health insurance is the biggest line item in our monthly budget, more even than our mortgage. The choices of plans and insurance companies have gotten less, not more. We have had the same primary doctors for 20 years and are not interested in changing them to try and save a little money. We use Carefirst now, as we have for many years. My husband and I have an ongoing argument where he says we should just drop the insurance and I think dropping it is irresponsible and short sighted. However, he has a point. We have no money left over in our monthly budget for anything else once we pay for health insurance. Our roof has a leak but there is no money. Our daughter, 19, would like to further her education but there is no money. Surely this law is causing much damage to the economy as a whole.
    Submitted By: Jackie Wolf    Location: Baltimore MD    Date: 10/23/2017

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I have a few questions. A. How is it that the Immediate Release on Friday, October 20, 2017 of a public hearing notice to be held on Monday, October 13, 2017 can be considered to be adequate advance notice. B. How is it that we are even having this conversation. My 63 year old wife will apparently see an increase from $626.00 per month for high deductible coverage high way robbery to $894.00 per month rape and pillage high deductible coverage. Fortunately, I have Medicare coverage. C. How is it that Care First got it name. Never mind, it cares first about its executives, stock holders, and lobbyists, but not those it serves. D. How is it that the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates can not legislate a plan that serves the citizens of this State and not for huge profit private companies. E. How is if that the U.S. House and Senate can not muster the moral courage to legislate a public health care system that provides care for all that will eliminate dependence on an ineffective, expensive, self serving private health insurance industry. Congressman Elijah Cummings, Senator Ben Cardin, Senator Chris Van Hollen. F. What happened to government by the people and for the people
    Submitted By: Jerry Hazelwood    Location: Catonsville MD    Date: 10/23/2017

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As a member of a household who heavily depends on insurance coverage through the exchange, I am strongly opposing the proposed increase in premium rates for 2018. My parents first obtained insurance coverage through the exchange as their employers offered subpar or no health coverage, and therefore depend greatly on the affordability and access provided under the law and plans. Since the enactment of the law, there has been a steady increase in premiums, cost-sharing requirements, and limited flexibility in benefits covered. Without the CSR, my parents would not be able to afford their premiums as the total amount paid monthly equates the cost of their mortgage. We are on a fixed income, therefore, our expendable income is not rising at the rate the premiums are - making it exceedingly difficult to afford. What is often overshadowed is that premium increases affect individuals on all ranges of the income spectrum, therefore, those who are marginally better off financially to not qualify for Medicaid but not earn enough to pay their premiums without a CSR will be impacted the most. Without the financial contributions towards the premiums of my parent's plans, they would not be able to afford the plan and lose the coverage they desperately need.
        Location: College Park MD    Date: 10/23/2017

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Please see comments from the Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
        Location: Baltimore MD    Date: 10/24/2017

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I just received a letter from Carefirst regarding my renewal for my family plan and I am totally sick to my stomach. I cannot believe for the life of me that they would be allowed to increase my insurance by an additional $584.00 for the same exact plan that I barely use. My family is very healthy. We do not have any known medical issues and my insurance is always paid on time. I understand increases do occur but to raise it $584.00 is astonishing and sickening. A payment of $1,700 is more than my mortgage payment. With mortgage and bills and tuition I pay for my kids college education I cannot afford those ridiculous fees. My deductible and co-pays are already over the roof that must be paid before my claims are even submitted and now not only is Carefirst increasing my insurance by 50 percent but they have uped all my co-pays and deductibles. I have not made any changes to my policy. I have not added any additional members and no one is a tobacco smoker. The only difference is our ages increased by 1 yr and since the oldest person is my husband who is 47 and very healthy I don't see increasing it by $584 is justifiable. I am not sure how the MIA can approve such an increase knowing that America is just getting back on its feet and for once is seeing something positive take effect after many years of a poor economy. I can not afford this and I will be forced to cancel all insurance and have my family go without if that's what it is. I hope the MIA is ready to take this responsibility for poor judgement in approving such increases. Unfortunatly not all of us work for the State of Md and get our insurance for us and our families covered as a benefit. We have to work extremely hard and not be able to afford them.
    Submitted By: KATHLEEN BAUER    Location: Baltimore MD    Date: 10/24/2017

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