Judge Rules Against Insurers

A superior court judge today denied a request by six health insurers that would have allowed double-digit rate increases on plans for tens of thousand of small businesses and individuals, according to a story in The Boston Globe.

Suffolk Superior Court Judge Stephen Neel ruled that the insurers had not yet exhausted administrative remedies before turning to the courts, The Globe reports.

The fight began when the state insurance commissioner rejected proposed rate hikes by the six major insurers, who then turned to the courts, seeking an injunction that would have allowed the rate increases.

The Globe quoted a statement by Gov. Deval Patrick: "I appreciate the court's decision. It's a welcome decision for small businesses and working families who need immediate relief from excessive and unreasonable increases in their health care costs."