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.

An association representing Maryland’s doctors has sent Maryland Insurance Commissioner Beth Sammis a letter asking her to investigate “intrusive” and “onerous” health insurance protocols that could be compromising care.

The chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation is offering suggestions on how health insurers nationwide can honor the intent of new mandates on medical loss ratio under new federal law without attempting to “game” the system.

The two biggest health insurance companies in Pennsylvania say the new health reform law falls short, while a regional Blues executive predicts the possible demise of small-group insurance in the U.S.

Richmond, Va.-based Provider Compensatory Invoicing (PCI) has added new intellectual property filings to its flagship product, ClaimCatcher.

Nearly a week after Massachusetts regulators disapproved 235 of 274 rate increases filed by health insurers citing the rising cost of care, a group of six companies is suing the state for a move it says will “likely cause greater costs and confusion.”

Insurance plans that encourage members to obtain care from doctors who keep medical costs lower are relying on unreliable estimates of doctors’ performance, which in turn could eliminate the anticipated savings, according to a new study.

Recognizing the historical aspect and increased coverage provided through the health reform bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, insurance companies and at least one agents’ group are not sharing the enthusiasm of Democrats.

While U.S. House Democratic leaders have spent the last few days rounding up votes to approve a comprehensive health reform bill, they won’t have the support of a member of their party from New Jersey.

While Democrats and Republicans gear up for a showdown on health care reform legislation, a national association representing insurers says the proposed solution raises prices and stalls necessary treatment.