Brionna Jones

The application of Washington Gas Light Company to increase its rates and charges was discussed. The proposed rates and charges are designed to increase the company's annual operating revenues. The company is seeking authorization to implement the proposed rates on an interim basis, subject to refund. The revisions to the Virginia tariff, including changes to General Service Provision No. 4 and Rate Schedule No. 10, were also discussed.

Aqua Virginia, Inc. has filed an application for a general increase in rates for water and wastewater service. The proposed increases would result in a combined increase of approximately 27.48%. The company also seeks to cease charging availability fees, adding the revenue from these fees to the revenue requirement charged to all customers. The Commission has docketed the matter, suspended the proposed rates for 180 days, and scheduled a public hearing to receive testimony and evidence on the application. Interested parties may file comments and participate as respondents in the proceeding. The Commission will also consider electronic filing of testimony and pleadings.

The State Corporation Commission held a meeting to discuss presentations of premium rates in connection with health insurance coverage issued in the individual and small group markets. The meeting included discussions on the review process of rate filings, the legal standards for rate approval, and an overview of the individual and small group markets. There were also discussions about market participation, the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and potential solutions like reinsurance programs to stabilize the individual market.

The State Corporation Commission reviewed health insurance premium rates for individual and small group markets in Virginia, effective January 1, 2024. Presentations were given by insurance carriers, including Cigna, United HealthCare (Optimum Choice), and Sentara Health Plans. Key topics included the impact of eliminating the tobacco surcharge, the effects of Medicaid unwinding, and changes in trends post-COVID. The absence of a reinsurance program for 2024 was a significant factor in the projected rate increases for the individual market. The commission also discussed the small group market, federal tax subsidies, and the Virginia's reinsurance program.

The hearing focused on the 2021 Presentations of Premiums Rates concerning health insurance coverage in the individual and small market groups within the Commonwealth, with an effective date of January 1, 2022. The commission reviewed and approved premium rates and forms for health benefit plans, both on and off the Federal Exchange for Virginia. Discussions included the impact of COVID-19 on pricing, adjustments for suppressed utilization, and the influence of the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) subsidies on enrollment and premiums. The potential effects of a reinsurance program and state subsidies on the individual market were also addressed.