The rate increases were sought to individual health plans offered by Regence BlueShield, Regence Blue-Shield of Oregon and Asuris Northwest Health and would have taken effect Jan. 1.
Regence BlueShield and Asuris sought a 3.7 percent increase, and Regence BlueShield of Oregon requested 4.9 percent.
They already had increases approved this year ranging from 15.4. percent to 23.7 percent, and the 149,000 people covered by the plans will continue to pay those rates, the commissioner’s office says.
Regence can appeal the decision, and Regence spokeswoman Rachelle Cunningham says the company will be meeting with the commissioners office in the coming days “and will determine how best to proceed at that time.”
