By Felice Freyer
Saying that Rhode Islanders have been using more and costlier health care in 2012, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is seeking state approval for premium increases averaging 5.1 percent for small groups and 9 percent for large groups.
If approved by the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner, the rates would apply only to plans that come up for renewal on or after April 1, 2013.
This is Blue Cross's second request for rate increases this year, an unusual move. Typically all the insurers file their proposals in May, the commissioner rules in the fall and the rates stay in effect throughout the next year.
But Blue Cross says medical costs have increased 2 ½ times since its previous rate request.