Health insurance officials expect premiums to double in some parts of the country, according to the Hill.
The news comes shortly after Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told the House Ways and Means Committee that the rise in premium costs would be insignificant.
"The increases are far less significant than what they were prior to the Affordable Care Act," Sebelius said.
According to the Hill:
Her comment baffled insurance officials, who said it runs counter to the industry’s consensus about next year.
"It’s pretty shortsighted because I think everybody knows that the way the exchange has rolled out … is going to lead to higher costs," said one senior insurance executive who requested anonymity.
The insurance official, who hails from a populous swing state, said his company expects to triple its rates next year on the ObamaCare exchange.
Areas with older, sicker populations are likely to see a rise in premiums more than younger, healthier populations.