Double-digit premium increases will likely be seen this year because of Obamacare, according to an analysis from Avalere Health.

Many in the industry had expected the age mix of exchange enrollees to drive up premiums but Avalere said that wasn't the case. Instead, the consulting firm this week blamed the increasing cost of medical care, utilization of services and new medical technology — all of which "make it likely that exchange plans will need to increase their prices."

Premium increases will vary geographically, and will depend in part on the competitiveness of provider markets, it said.

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