Get ready to pay more for health care next year.

The battle over setting next year’s health insurance premiums in New York is underway after proposals seeking double-digit rate increases on average were submitted to state regulators.

Proposed rate adjustments vary widely, with an average increase of about 13.5 percent. While some health plans seek up to 30 percent rate increases, others have presented slight decreases, state records filed this month show.

Health insurance premium rates in 2016 for individual and small group plans — as opposed to larger employer-sponsored coverage plans — will ultimately be set by the state Department of Financial Services under the prior-approval process, which essentially gives the agency authority to approve or reduce the rates requested.

To read more, click here.

Jeffrey R. Ungvary President