Ohio: Average premiums to rise in marketplace

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohioans buying health coverage through the federal marketplace could see a 13 percent increase in average insurance premiums next year compared to this year, state insurance officials said Thursday, though the numbers are not final.

Small businesses also could have their average monthly rates rise 11 percent, according to early insurance rate filings with the Ohio Department of Insurance.

The agency released details of proposed premiums from insurers that want to offer plans in the new insurance exchanges created by President Barack Obama's health law.

For 2015, the proposed average premiums were $374.42 per month compared to $332.58 per month for the same coverage last year, the state said. For the small-group market, average premiums were $446.78 compared to $401.99 in 2014.

It's unclear what consumers will encounter. The figures are averages. Some premiums could be lower, while others could higher.