Many health insurers go big with initial 2016 rate requests

In this photo taken Wednesday, July 17, 2013, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina employee Lew Borman, left, helps a customer outside a trailer at the downtown farmer’s market in Raleigh, N.C. Dozens of health insurers say higher-than-expected care costs and other expenses blindsided them this year, and they’re going to have to hike individual insurance prices well-beyond 10 percent for 2016. Photo: Gerry Broome, AP Dozens of health insurers say higher-than-expected care costs and other expenses blindsided them this year, and they’re going to have to hike premiums for individual policies well-beyond 10 percent for 2016.