Insurers seek minor premium changes in proposed ACA rates

Insurers that are staying in the Affordable Care Act exchange in Illinois next year are seeking premium changes across the board, according to preliminary rate filings.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has proposed rate decreases for two of its four product lines on the exchange, ranging from 14.6 percent to 6.1 percent. It proposed a 0.6 percent and 1.8 percent increase on its other products.

While rates have not been finalized, Blue Cross spokeswoman Colleen Miller said the insurer will continue to provide coverage in every Illinois county.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois remains committed to balancing access to comprehensive coverage with affordability,” she said.

Quartz Health Benefit Plan Corporation has proposed a 10.1 percent decrease for its product.

Meanwhile, Cigna is planning a 0.9 percent increase for its lone Illinois product.

“Cigna is excited about continuing to be a meaningful part of the ACA marketplace in Illinois, where we have consistently delivered affordability and served our customers well,” it said in a statement.

Centene’s Celtic Insurance Company plans a rate increase of 0.1 percent and 0.3 percent on its two products.

A spokesperson for the insurer said they will share more info on its 2021 service areas upon receiving regulatory approval.

“(We are) pleased to continue serving health insurance marketplace members in 2021,” they said. “We look forward to offering competitively-priced options for quality healthcare.”

Health Alliance Medical Plans is looking to increase premiums by 1.3 percent on one of its two products, with the other is staying roughly the same.

A spokeswoman for the insurer declined to comment.

Three of the five plans decreased premiums last year, while two sought increases.