Watch CBS News

Significant Premium Hikes Expected Under Obama Health Law

Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter

WASHINGTON (AP) - Expect insurers to seek significant premium increases under President Barack Obama's health care law for next year.

A wave of state-level requests will ripple across the country ahead of the political conventions this summer.

Insurers say the law's coverage has been a financial drain for many of them, and they're setting the stage for hikes that in some cases could reach well into the double digits.

In Virginia, nine insurers returning to the HealthCare.gov marketplace are seeking average premium increases that range from 9 percent to 37 percent.

The health law's subsidized insurance markets cover more than 12 million people nationwide. Going into their fourth year, they don't yet seem to have achieved stability.

The Obama administration says talk of premium increases is premature and overblown.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.