61.   Massachusetts regulators have final say in setting insurance rates.

62.   Many states set rates based in part on estimates of future oil and natural gas prices.

63.   Long-term rates are mainly set by expectations about inflation.

64.   Maryland will then be the only state in the country that continues to set hospital rates.

65.   Massachusetts is the only state in which automobile insurance rates are set by the commissioner after a hearing process involving the interested parties.

66.   Massachusetts is the only state where auto insurance rates are set by the state.

67.   Michael Klein, a spokesman for the Division of Insurance, said Johnston sought the meeting with Ruthardt to simplify the process of setting rates.

68.   Most rates have been set by cartels known as conferences.

69.   New York and Maryland are the only states that still set hospital rates.

70.   Now, that system gives electric power companies territorial monopolies, and in return sets their rates through state and federal commissions.