Haughn & Associates, INC.

The New York Times (5/24, Carrns, Subscription Publication) "Bucks" blog reported that starting "Sept. 1, double-digit increases in health insurance premiums for individuals and small businesses will be subject to a review and possible rejection by state and federal officials." The change, which is part of the Affordable Care Act, is "meant to make sure that premium increases are justified." Conversely, according to the "federal government, some states already have the authority to challenge health insurance rate increases -- but rarely ever do it." However, a few states, "perhaps emboldened by the new law," are starting to "balk at premium increases." For example, Rhode Island recently "ruled that BlueCross BlueShield members who buy their own insurance should see premiums rise by no more than 1.9 percent."