GAO report lists 2013 individual-market premiums in each state

A new report from the Government Accountability Office (PDF) provides 2013 health plan premiums in the individual market in all 50 states. It provides useful baseline information as insurers shift in 2014 to complying with the federal healthcare reform law's new rules governing the insurance market.

The premium information in the GAO report was taken from data submitted by insurers to the HHS Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight and displayed on the government's health plan finder website, HealthCare.gov. The report shows base premiums for six different types of consumers, prior to medical underwriting.

The GAO was asked to report on the range of premiums offered to consumers in the individual market, where about 11 million Americans currently obtain private health coverage. Premiums in most states now vary based on age, gender, health status and other factors. But starting next January, insurers no longer will be able to use gender and health status to set premiums.

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