Insurers to track Obamacare costs

Insurance companies would be required to tell customers how much their premiums increase because of the Affordable Care Act under legislation nearing final passage in the General Assembly.

The House voted Thursday, largely along party lines, to approve Senate Bill 236. Because the House made minor changes, the bill must go back to the Senate.

Republicans said insurance companies are concerned about being blamed for any increase in insurance premiums the new federal law will cause. Democrats, however, noted that if premiums decreased because of the health care law, insurance companies would not be required to tell consumers.