Based on filings with the Louisiana Insurance Department, health care policies purchased through the Affordable Care Act's health exchange will see a double-digit rate increase.

State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says policy holders will notice the difference next year.

"Well, it means higher than anticipated costs for health insurance in 2015, as compared with what we were paying as a state in 2014 and the years prior," Donelon said.

It means higher than anticipated costs for health insurance in 2015

Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, and Vantage Health have all filed for rate increases ranging from 10 to 20 percent.  Donelon says three aspects of the Affordable Care Act have contributed to these rate hikes.

"The combination of guarantee issue, qualified health plans with higher coverages, and this premium tax, we're seeing rate increases in the low double-digit range frequently these days," Donelon said.

More than 100,000 Louisiana residents have signed up for coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Donelon says while all rate increase information is sent to his office, he is powerless to reject or lower such rate filings.

"I've asked for that (power) for several years running," Donelon said, "but the legislature has not seen fit to give that authority to the Department of Insurance."

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