August 5th, 2016 by WCBC Radio
Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) has called for a Congressional hearing on changes to the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program. Delaney has formally written to the leadership of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform requesting a hearing due to his “grave concerns over increased premiums.”
The text of Congressman Delaney’s letter is below:
Dear Chairman Chaffetz, Ranking Member Cummings, Chairman Meadows, and Ranking Member Connolly:
I write to bring your attention to the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) and grave concerns over increased premiums and the impact this could have on my constituents.
John Hancock Life and Health Insurance Co. held the contract for FLTCIP and was the only bidder for the 7-year policy beginning May 2016. When John Hancock first received the FLTCIP contract in 2009, it also raised premiums, but at that time the average premium increase was 25% and applied to only one type of product. Under the new contract, however, premium rate increases will apply to almost all 274,000 current enrollees and average 83%.
Many federal workers and retirees in my district have contacted me about their concerns with the skyrocketing premiums. For those on a fixed income, the sharp premium increase may be untenable in their financial situation. In addition, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) began mailing information to enrollees in mid-July, but enrollees must choose whether to pay a higher premium, reduce their benefits, or leave the program altogether, by September 30 or face losing the options originally presented to them. I am concerned that this may not be enough time for enrollees to make such an important decision for themselves and their families.
I respectfully request that the Committee or the Subcommittee hold a hearing on the FLTCIP and this newest premium rate increase as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
John K. Delaney
Member of Congress
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