Insurance companies ask to boost premiums 9 and 19 percent on healthcare.gov

(Harrisburg) — Two of the three big insurance companies in the midstate plan to hike rates on healthcare.gov between 9 and 19 percent next year.

Capital Blue Cross and Highmark both paid out more for medical care than they took in through premiums.

Capital Blue has asked the state to approve a 12 percent increase, while premiums for Highmark’s various plans would jump up between 9 and 19 percent.

Geisinger has also requested an 8 percent premium increase.

The news comes just a year after companies increased rates by 35-plus percent, after major losses in 2015.

Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller says prices tend to be higher in the midstate compared to other regions, but some companies have added different choices.

“That’s where I would encourage people to look at their options and make sure that they like where they’re at because there are new options available and new plans available,” says Miller.

“My sense is the reason we’re seeing more bronze plans is maybe they’re feeling more comfortable about the market and wanted to expand a little bit,” she adds.

Miller says with more bronze plans, more younger people might sign up, which could help stabilize the market.

Her office will review the rate filings, and make a final decision in the fall.

Public hearings on the insurance rates are set to take place over the next month.

Companies could still make changes – or drop out of the market altogether – if Congress overhauls the Affordable Care Act.