Some Delawareans could see their health insurance premiums go up next year under the Affordable Care Act.
New rate increases requested by Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield Delaware would hike rates by 5 percent in 2015 for ACA-qualifying plans. The exact premium change would vary by plan.
In its request, Highmark Delaware says the increase reflects the prevalence of chronic illness and an aging population in health insurance signups, as well as the increased cost of medicines, technologies and procedures.
Aetna, which is taking over Coventry’s policies, also filed rate requests for 2015 rates. If approved, about 2,000 people with preferred provider organization plans could see their premiums decrease about 2 and a half percent next year.
Aetna is also seeking to offer an HMO option that would be slightly cheaper than the preferred provider plan.