The Rev. Hurmon Hamilton, president of the interfaith group, said he expects industry leaders to say a freeze is impossible.
“With the same urgency, consumers are saying, ‘We can’t continue to absorb anymore of these increases,’ ’’ he said.
From 2007 to 2009, premiums for private group plans in Massachusetts increased 5 to 10 percent annually, while benefits were reduced, according to a state report. Last year, state regulators fought off proposed increases in the teens and higher for small businesses and individuals.
The state Division of Insurance has no authority to enact a cap on rates. That means a freeze would require cooperation from insurers and physicians.
While it has happened before, it seems unlikely based on reaction yesterday from industry leaders who said a cap on rates would create a bureaucratic quagmire.
In 1993, major manufacturers, retailers, and other employers joined with the Group Insurance Commission, which covers state employees, to present their demands to insurers and state regulators.
In 1994, the group requested and received level premiums. In 1995, it requested a decrease. At the time, industry officials said it was a reasonable goal.
“Purchasers are exerting a lot of influence, and that is the way it should be,’’ a spokesman for Harvard Community Health Plan told the Globe at that time.
Lynn Nicholas, president of the Massachusetts Hospital Association, said yesterday that hospitals are already working to reduce unnecessary medical care and create new incentives for care that is high quality and low cost.
Variations in the prices charged by hospitals and physicians are a primary driver of premium increases. Keeping rates level would require many hospitals to reopen contracts with insurers and agree to reduce those prices.
“This is really an overly simplistic, micromanagement approach,’’ Nicholas said of the proposed freeze. “What these organizations don’t understand is the complexity around contracting.’’
Partners HealthCare, whose hospitals are among the most expensive in the state, is in talks with major insurers about reopening their contracts, said spokesman Rich Copp.
