Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont has agreed to trim its request for a rate increase for consumers who get health coverage through the Vermont Health Connect insurance exchange.
Blue Cross first put in for requests for premium increases averaging 8.4 percent, and later revised it up to 8.6 percent. But company officials tell Vermont's Green Mountain Care Board they agree with a finding by the board's actuaries that the more appropriate increase is 7.2 percent.
During the public hearing portion of its meeting Wednesday, the board heard from several Vermont residents who spoke out against any increase in rates, with some saying the rates are already unaffordable.
Blue Cross attributes the proposed increases to changes in federal regulations and higher bills from health care providers.
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