RI insurers increase rates

Health Insurance Commissioner Christopher F. Koller has allowed the state’s two largest health insurers to increase their rates slightly to cover the costs of new benefits mandated by the federal health-care overhaul.

The increases range, on average, from 0.6 percent to 2.25 percent. The new rates will go into effect for plans renewed after Friday.

The increases will pay for the coverage of dependents through age 26 and preventive services that now must be provided without any cost to the consumer.