How states will use the Cycle II grants:

Introduce legislation: 7 States are introducing legislation to strengthen their authority to review and/or publicize proposed rate increases.
Expand scope of rate review: 19 States and the District of Columbia are proposing to use grant funds to expand the scope of rate review, for example, by reviewing rates in new markets or by reviewing rates for new products.
Improve rate filing requirements: All 28 States and the District of Columbia are proposing to use grant funds to improve rate filing requirements, such as requiring insurers to provide additional information on administrative costs and requiring insurers to file rate increases in a standardized format.
Improve transparency and consumer interfaces: All 28 States and the District of Columbia are proposing to use grant funds to improve consumer interfaces, such as developing a Rate Review Home Page at the Department of Insurance Website and providing opportunities for consumers to comment on proposed rate hikes via the website.
Hire new staff: 23 States and the District of Columbia are proposing to hire new staff during Cycle II to help review rates and protect consumers.
Improve IT: 27 States and the District of Columbia are proposing to use grant funds to enhance IT capacity through the development of new or improved rate reporting systems designed to collect more robust rate data and allow for advanced analysis of rate filings.

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