MALPRACTICE RATES STAY EVEN:

Connecticut Medical Insurance Co., one of the state’s largest writers of medical malpractice insurance, has decided to hold its rates steady for 2006 after raising them each of the last five years.

The doctor-owned insurer said its premiums are adequate to cover projected claims, which it estimates will average more than $21,600 each next year. That’s about double what the average was 10 years ago. Some long term, claims-free insureds may even see their bills go down next year. Loss experience credits will range from 7.5 percent to 25 percent.