Some face fewer choices, or none, under Affordable Care Act

(AP) – Virginians are facing fewer choices- or none at all – when buying health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

Next year, only one insurer will sell the coverage in 28 of Virginia’s independent cities or counties, many of them rural, The Associated Press has found. Currently, at least two insurers, if not more, offer plans.

That lack of competition could lead to more expensive premiums, experts say. And some people may find doctors suddenly out of their network.

The situation in Virginia reflects a nationwide trend as insurance companies face increasing costs. The analysis by AP and consulting firm Avalere Health found that about one-third of U.S. counties will have only one health marketplace insurer next year. That’s more than 1,000 counties in 26 states.