Hospitals, insurers end stalemate, agree on proposed rate increase

Maryland hospitals and insurers ended months of wrangling this week by agreeing to an increase in the rate hospitals can charge patients, but a state rate-setting commission will make the final decision. The Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission was set to vote on a rate increase Thursday but received a letter from insurance company and hospital representatives this week asking for a two-week delay. The commission, which sets the rates that hospitals statewide charge and what everyone must pay, will now vote July 7. The new rates would be retroactive to July 1. The two sides said they were recommending a rate increase of 2.44%. The commission staff is recommending an increase of 1.91% and doesn't have to adopt the proposal from the hospitals and insurance companies.