Study: Ind. individual health claims cost to rise

Study: Indiana individual health claims costs to rise 67 percent under federal overhaul

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- A study by the nation's leading group of financial risk analysts shows the biggest driver of health insurance premiums will rise by more than 67 percent for Indiana residents' individual policies under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.

The Society of Actuaries study says medical claims will increase by that much in individual health insurance markets, where people purchase coverage directly from insurers. The projected increase is partly due to sicker people joining the insurance pool.

The study says most states will see increases, and assumes every state will expand its Medicaid program, but that's uncertain in Indiana.

The Obama administration says the study ignores subsidies to help with premiums. Middle-class households can buy subsidized insurance in new marketplaces Oct. 1.

The report doesn't cover employer plans.