Oregonians who buy their own health insurance or get coverage through a small business employer could be staring down another year of sharp premium increases, as insurers seek some of the largest rate hikes in recent memory.
Filings released this week show insurers are seeking average premium increases of about 17% for both groups.
In documents submitted to state regulators, they blame higher medical spending, inflation, uncertainty over federal policy, tariffs that raise the cost of prescription drugs and medical equipment and shrinking enrollment that leaves fewer people to share the costs…