University System Insurance Premiums Going Up

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — The cost of health insurance for students signed up in the statewide Montana University System is going up in September.

Students under age 40 will see rates increase by 9 to 13 percent, while students 40 and over will see rates increase by as much as 113 percent.

Officials tell the Bozeman Daily Chronicle that a combination of older students more likely to have health problems joining and younger students leaving the system combined to raise expenses.

Cindy Welsh is the director of benefits for the Montana University System in Helena.

She says about 800 to 900 young students dropped coverage because they could stay on their parents' plans due to the Obama administration's health insurance reforms.

She also says more 40-and-older people have enrolled as part-time students.