Both HMSA and Kaiser request double-digit rate hikes

The Hawaii Medical Service Association and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii have asked the Hawaii Insurance Division for permission to raise their rates.

HMSA, a mutual benefit society, is requesting an average 14.8 percent increase for large employer groups. Kaiser Permanente, a nonprofit health maintenance organization, has asked for increases of 12.6 percent for large employer groups and 8.6 percent for its individual plans.

HMSA has not yet filed its rate request for smaller employer groups, according to an HMSA spokesman. The state Insurance Division has 60 days to review the documents, ask questions and make its final decision, according to the spokesman.