State probes claims of health-policy rate threats

As Coloradans begin shopping for insurance on the new health-care exchanges, the Colorado Division of Insurance is investigating complaints from individuals and small businesses regarding letters from insurance carriers warning policyholders to renew existing policies or face higher costs once new insurance plans become effective on Jan. 1.

Often, these letters include an offer by the carrier to renew a policyholder’s plan before that holder’s normal renewal period at a manageable rate increase, saying that if that policyholder waits until a renewal period in 2014, his or her rates will shoot up. The Division of Insurance is investigating Humana and other…