- Division of Insurance
On July 23, 2025, the Division of Insurance (“Division”) received a request for review of the Health Care Access Bureau’s (“HCAB”) disapproval of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue, Inc. (“BCBSMA”) CY2026 Individual/Small Group Market Health Rate Filings, pursuant to M.G.L. c.176J, § 6(h) and 211 CMR 66.08(6)(g)1. A hearing on the disapproval will be held by the Division on August 7, 2025.
Pursuant to 211 CMR 66.08(6)(g), the scope of the hearing is limited to consideration of “whether the disapproval is supported by substantial evidence and not based upon an error of law”. A hearing held in accordance with M.G.L. c. 176J, § 6(h) is not a continuation of the rate filing review process; rather, it is an opportunity for BCBSMA to request review of the Division’s disapproval of its rate filing in accordance with the standards set forth in 211 CMR 66.08(6)(g). Accordingly, there is no evidentiary or fact-finding component of the hearing and the record for the hearing will be limited to the following: (1) Petitioner’s rate filing; (2) HCAB’s disapproval letter; and (3) any additional documents or information submitted in the course of the HCAB’s review of the rate filing.
