The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently stated that almost $200 million in new funds are available to help States start programs that will make health insurance premiums more clear. This new money would also give those States the power to stop premium increases from taking effect.

This funding opportunity builds on the nearly $50 million awarded in August of 2010 to help all but 5 States crack down on unreasonable premium hikes. Of the total funding, almost $150 million is available to States for baseline grants to achieve greater transparency and openness to the rating process.

$50 million in additional funds are available to qualifying States in two ways:

– States with larger populations and more health insurers will be given “Workload” grants totaling $22.5 million.

– States that have the authority to approve or disapprove rate increases will be given “Performance” incentives totaling $27.5 million.