Mass. Consumers, Businesses to Pay More for Health Insurance in 2016

Massachusetts consumers and businesses are expected to pay more for health insurance in 2016.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, the state’s biggest commercial insurer, is raising premiums an average of 5 percent. Tufts Health Plan’s rates are set to increase between 3 and 7 percent; Harvard Pilgrim Health is raising rates 6 to 12 percent; and Fallon Health could raise rates as much as 17 percent.

The figured were provided to The Boston Globe by insurers and the state Division of Insurance.

Insurers and analysts say the premium hikes come at a time of rising drug prices and expansion of coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

In response, the Division of Insurance is scheduled to hold a two-day public hearing on the issue on Jan. 11 and 12.