RI AG calls for hearing on insurance rate hikes

PROVIDENCE - Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch says it's "outrageous" that no public hearing has been scheduled on double-digit premium hikes requested by the state's two biggest health insurers.

Insurance Commissioner Chris Koller is soliciting public comment, but has not scheduled a hearing. He says he's not required to do so.

Lynch tells The Providence Journal that it's outrageous that families struggling to make ends meet are excluded from the process.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield has proposed increasing average premiums 13.9 percent for small employers and 16.3 percent for large employers. UnitedHealthcare is seeking increases of 11.6 percent and 13.2 percent. (AP)