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Posted: Thursday, November 5th, 2009 12:19 PM HST

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii seeking rate hike

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — The state's second-largest health plan is seeking permission from the state Insurance Division to raise rates an average 10.7 percent. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii says the increase is needed in order to cover rapidly rising medical costs. If the increase is approved, the company says it would affect 150,000 members and take effect as commercial accounts renew agreements next year. State Insurance Commissioner J.P. Schmidt says his office has 60 days to review the filing and issue a decision, Meanwhile, Hawaii's largest health insurer, the Hawaii Medical Service Association, has filed to increase premiums for large corporations that renew their policies in January. HMSA declined to disclose the average amount it's seeking. (Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved)