Cities See Jump in Insurance Premiums

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — More than 30 Idaho cities are dealing with big increases in health insurance premiums because a municipal insurance pool established this year was hit by some sizable early claims. Cities from across the state joined the Idaho Independent Intergovernmental Authority in March in hopes of lowering insurance premiums. Some cities dropped coverage with traditional insurers to join. The Post Register reports the group received 11 unexpected claims not calculated into the business model. As a result, pool members have paid extra to shore up the reserve account. Municipal member premiums increased by 19 percent in September and will rise to 36 percent in January. Ammon Mayor Steve Fuhriman is optimistic the increases will save the insurance pool and ultimately make costs more predictable and affordable in the future.