Individual health insurance premiums in Maryland increase by 25 percent

Premium rates for health insurance are going up in Maryland,  roughly two months before the start of open enrollment.

The rate changes announced Friday by the state insurance commission  won’t affect Marylander’s who already have health care through large employers, employers who self insure or participate in plans that were active before March of 2010. 

However for those enrolled in small group plans through places like Aetna  or Optimum Choice,  they will see their premium rates increase by roughly 3.3 percent.

The real impact will come to those enrolled in individual health care plans as their rates will go up an average of 25 percent. 

Because of that discrepancy commissioner for the state insurance commission,  Al Redmer Jr. said some small businesses may look to purchase plans for their employees.

“The small group insurance prices today are a little less than the individual marketplace so it could be an opportunity for those small employers out there that don’t have coverage to offer coverage for their employees,” Redmer Jr. said.

Open enrollment begins November 1 for the individual market place. 

The Maryland Insurance Commissions encourages all customers to shop rates to ensure they get the best possible deal.