Some of the same insurers, meanwhile, have filed proposed rate increases with Colorado for individual policies, hiking premiums by up to 27 percent, regulators said.

UnitedHealthcare has asked for an 8.3 percent increase in large-group plans, affecting 71,400 people; it also asked for 20.5 percent increases for 241 individuals.

Aetna, in one plan covering 22,500 people in Colorado, wants a 12.5 percent average boost. Other group plans from Aetna ask for 26.4 percent hikes covering 6,600 people.

Aetna regional spokeswoman Anjie Coplin said in a statement, “Health insurance premiums are a direct reflection of the cost of health care services, in terms of both the cost or price of services and the increased use of health care services by our members.”

Read the whole article: Health insurers seek rate hikes, citing new reform law.

The article perpetuates the misconception that HR 3590 (“ObamaCare”) bans rescission of policies. But this has been illegal since 1997:

• Most Popular Part of Obamacare Is Redundant, John R. Graham, Health Care News, June 2010.
• Someone Please tell the President: It’s Been Illegal to Drop Coverage Since 1997, John Graham
• Rescissions: Much Ado About Nothing, John Goodman.

(via Ari Armstrong)