Anthem of CT to raise rates for Seniors

Senior citizens in Connecticut who buy health insurance from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut may face premium increases next year averaging 5.7% on standardized medicare supplement policies and 1.4% on older policies under the company's proposals.

Anthem filed proposed rates Monday with the Connecticut Insurance Department for Medicare supplements, which seniors often buy to pay for portions of their medical bills that Medicare doesn't cover, such as hospital deductibles.

The proposed increases, which would take effect Jan. 1, are subject to regulators' approval and a public hearing will be scheduled.

UnitedHealth Group also recently proposed rate increases for Medicare supplements it sells through AARP. Its increases would average 6% on standardized Medicare supplement plans.