Consumer advocacy group Health Care for All said the nearly 7 percent premium increase underscores a need to reform the state’s rate review process, calling for passage of a bill (H 1247, S 782) that would, among other measures, enhance the division’s ability to modify or disapprove proposed rates in certain cases and increase transparency around what drives the hikes.

“Policymakers must move swiftly to both improve our state’s rate review process and address underlying costs,” the group’s executive director, Amy Rosenthal, said in a statement. “This requires also passing legislation to lower prescription drug costs and increase transparency for high-cost hospitals. It is unacceptable for health care premiums to continue to be ratcheted up on families and businesses at this rate, and help is needed urgently [to] give residents across the state critical relief.”

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