HMO rates for 2007 down slightly from this year

HMO premium rates are estimated to increase an average of 11.7 percent next year, according to a report released this week by Hewitt Associates.

That’s lower than estimates of 12.4 percent this year and 13.7 percent last year. Why?

Speculation is that it’s from better discounts from helath providers and expanded provider networks.

Still, the increase will continue to be a problem as employers are expected to continue to shift more health insurance costs to employees next year.