Del. To Limit Health Rates

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell has signed a bill that could give the state insurance commissioner the authority to regulate health insurance rates.

If the newly enacted bill, Senate Substitute 1 for Delaware Senate Bill 35, takes effect as written, the commissioner will have the ability to verify that proposed rates are adequate, non-discriminatory and not excessive before approving them, officials say.

Delaware Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart, Delaware Insurance Department staffers and Delaware state Sen. Patricia Blevins, D-Elsmere, Del., wrote the bill.