Report: Massachusetts to See Drop in Medical Claims Costs

Medical claims costs are expected to soar in many states under President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul.

Massachusetts is an exception.

A new study by the nation’s leading group of financial risk analysts, the Society of Actuaries, has found that medical claims costs — the biggest driver of health insurance premiums — will jump an average 32 percent for Americans’ individual policies.

The report concluded the overwhelming majority will see double-digit increases in their individual health insurance markets where people purchase coverage directly from insurers.

Some states, including Massachusetts and New York, will see double-digit declines in costs for claims in the individual market.

The report did not make similar estimates for employer plans, the mainstay for workers and their families.

The administration has questioned the design of the study.

Topics Claims Massachusetts