HNE reached agreement with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DoI) on premium rates for small business and individuals purchasing or renewing their health insurance plans between April 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. Under the agreement:

•  HNE will not retroactively charge customers who purchased or renewed plans between April 1, 2010 and August 31, 2010 the difference between the rates agreed to in the settlement and the interim 2009  rates which had been in effect.
• Premium rates for individuals and small businesses will increase between 5.5% and 14.9%.
• The new rates will be reflected beginning with October premium bills.  October bills will also include an amount which makes up the difference between the September interim premium bill and the premium agreed to in the settlement.

HNE President & CEO, Peter Straley, said that “This agreement will end the upheaval experienced by individuals and small businesses over the last few months. We look forward to resuming our work to find meaningful and sustainable ways to address the drivers of health care costs.”  Straley added: “Health Care is complex. We need health care providers, industry and insurance companies all working together to contain costs. The health plans can’t do it alone. No one can do it alone.”