Health care reform has many concerned about potential hikes in health insurance premiums over time.  According to the article “States Can Apply For Nearly $200 Million to Help Fight Health Premium Increases” found on MedicalNewsToday.com, The US Department of Health and Human Services is trying to prevent this from happening.

The department announced that about $200 million in new grants are now available to help states start programs that will help increases in health insurance premiums be more transparent.  The money would also give states the power to stop large increases in health insurance premiums from happening.  This funding process builds on the $46 million awarded in 2010 to help states crack down on large spikes in premiums.  This goes hand in hand with new rules proposed a few months ago which would require health insurers to publicly justify unreasonable rate increases.

Qualifying states will be able to receive approximately $50 million in additional grants through Workload grants totaling about $22.5 million.  This will go to States with larger populations and more health insurance companies.  The funds will also be available through Performance incentives totaling $27.5 million given to states who have the authority to approve or disapprove the increase of premiums.  Hopefully all of these grants will work to make finding health insurance easier for consumers and keep health insurance quotes in line.