Dive Brief:
- Aetna, which took part in 17 state exchanges this year, plans to raise premiums in those states next year.
- Premium increases would range from low single digits to double digits, CEO Mark Bertolini said in a call discussing its first quarter earnings, according to FierceHealthPayer.
- On the call, Bertolini cited the White House's "on the fly" regulatory changes as contributing to half of the premium increases planned, The Washington Post Wonkblog reported.
Dive Insight:
Aetna seems to see a lucrative future in the ACA market, having built a leading presence on the exchanges and set plans to raise premiums. If so, it should be part of a successful stretch for Aetna. Net income for the Hartford, CT-based health plan climbed 36% year-over-year to $665.5 million for the first quarter. According to the insurer, however, it will suffer a small loss from its current exchange business, the Associated Press reports.