Idaho Insurers Plan to Raise Premiums
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho health insurers say they want to raise premiums an average of 27 percent next year because they are losing money.
The Idaho Statesman reports that it would be the second year in a row of double-digit increases for some plans. Six companies sell health insurance plans for individuals in Idaho, five of them on the state's exchange.
They proposed similar rate increases last year. They say patients have needed more medical treatment and medical costs have been increasing, including the price of prescription drugs.
On top of that, two federal programs created by the Affordable Care Act to help insurers weather unexpectedly high costs are set to expire this year. The Idaho Department of Insurance is seeking public comment on the proposed rates.