DMHC Rate Review Helps Control Costs

Since January 2011, the DMHC has saved Californians hundreds of millions of dollars in health care premiums through its premium rate review program.
Under state law, proposed premium rate changes for individual or small group health plans must be filed with the DMHC. Department actuaries perform an in-depth review of these proposed changes and ask health plans questions to ensure that the proposed rate changes are supported by data including underlying medical costs and trends. The DMHC does not have the authority to approve or deny rate increases; however, its rate review efforts hold health plans accountable, ensure consumers get value for for their premium dollar and saves Californians money.
If the DMHC finds a health plan rate change is not supported, the Department negotiates with the plan to reduce the rate change, called a modified rate. If the health plan refuses to modify its rate, the Department can find the rate to be unreasonable.
View modified premium rate filings with savings »
View Unreasonable Findings »