By EMERY P. DALESIO
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – North Carolina’s largest health insurer says it wants to raise rates by an average of almost 26 percent next year on broadly subsidized policies sold to individuals, nearly double this year’s allowed increase.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina said Monday it is seeking the increase for 2016 as more people are covered as a result of President Barack Obama’s federal health insurance overhaul and medical costs continue rising.
Requests filed with state regulators show Aetna Inc. subsidiary Coventry Health Care requested rate increases of up to 26 percent. UnitedHealthcare wants an average 12 percent rate increase. Humana is seeking an average 11 percent.
Not affected are consumers insured through their employers, those continuing coverage under policies taken out before the federal law took effect, and some others.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
