A health insurer was banned from operating in Rhode Island for three years and ordered to pay more than $2.3 million in restitution after allegedly engaging in illegal underwriting practices.

A hospital group in Rhode Island has filed suit, saying the state’s new health insurance rules seeking to control hospital costs are “rogue actions” hurting its ability to negotiate contracts with insurers.

Health insurance companies UnitedHealthCare, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and Tufts Health Plan have all filed for double-digit rate increases for next year.

With two of the state’s dominant health insurers seeking double-digit rate increases, Rhode Island’s attorney general is urging insurance regulators to hold a public hearing on the matter.

Patrick C. …  Read →