Five Down, One to Go on Rate Increases

Health New England, a Springfield-based insurer, has come to an agreement with the state on rate hikes, the Globe reports. On average it will raise its base rates for individuals and small businesses by only (only?!) about 8 percent this year.

Of the six insurance carriers who clashed with the Patrick administration this spring over double-digit rate hikes, only Fallon Community Health Plan of Worcester still has yet to reach an accord with the state on its rates.