Conn. Says United Can't Ax Broker Commissions

The Connecticut Insurance Department has blocked UnitedHealthcare’s plan to stop paying broker commissions for plans sold through the state’s health insurance exchange, but will let them pay a lower rate.

The department prohibited UnitedHealthcare from eliminating the commissions because the company included them in its rate filing – the proposal for its 2016 premiums – last year, spokeswoman Donna Tommelleo said.

“The carrier agreed to pay $10 commission on each plan, a resolution acceptable to the department,” she said.

In the past, agents and brokers received $20 commissions for the policies.