N.D. Regulator Approves 9.9 Percent Hike in Rates for Blues

Many of the 325,000 North Dakotans insured under Blue Cross Blue Shield will see a rate increase of just under 10 percent next year.

Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm said he approved the 9.9 percent increase after Blue Cross Blue Shield requested a 17.3 percent hike.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota is the state’s largest medical insurer. The rate increase approved by Hamm applies to group policies purchased by corporations. Companies differ in how they pass on health care costs to employees, so some policyholders might not see a 9.9 percent increase in what they pay for health coverage.

Blue Cross Blue Shield spokesman Larry Gauper said the company requested a 17.3 percent increase based on cost projections for 2008 that factored in an aging population and the increasing costs of medical procedures.