Consumers saved $3.9 billion on premiums in 2012
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that nationwide, 77.8 million consumers saved $3.4 billion up front on their premiums as insurance companies operated more efficiently. Additionally, consumers nationwide will save $500 million in rebates, with 8.5 million enrollees due to receive an average rebate of around $100 per family.
The report includes the 2012 health insurer data required under the Affordable Care Act’s Medical Loss Ratio, or “80/20 rule.” It shows that, compared to 2011, more insurers are meeting this standard and spending more of their premium dollars directly toward patient care and quality.
This 80/20 rule and other Affordable Care Act policies contributed to consumers saving approximately $3.9 billion on premiums in 2012, for a total of $5 billion in savings since the program’s inception, according to HHS.
Insurance companies that do not meet the standard will send consumers a notice informing them of the rule. The notice will also let consumers know how much the insurer did or did not spend on patient care or quality improvement, and how much of the difference will be returned as a rebate.
