BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Many North Dakotans are facing health insurance rate hikes in 2025 for group and individual plans that will range from 6 percent to 16 percent. North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Job Godfread released a list of insurance plans with expected price increases in the new year. Godfread says the plans involved are those that comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is most of those covering North Dakotans. Rising health care costs are cited as the primary reason for the price hikes, according to Godfread. Insurance companies submit premium rate requests to the insurance commissioner. State law gives the commissioner the authority to approve or adjust premium rates requested by companies. The commissioner is tasked with balancing consumers' interests in keeping premiums affordable while also ensuring companies remain financially sound.  For the 2025 plan year, Godfread approved the following average changes for the small group market: UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company: 9.54% Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota: 15.3% Sanford Health Plan: 10.51% Medica Health Plan: 6.38% HealthPartners withdrew from the market for 2025 The following average changes were approved for individual health plans for 2025: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota: 15.94% Sanford Health Plan: 16.5% Medica Health Plan: 4.6% "Insurance is a pool of funds that needs to be filled at a faster pace than what is being released. Because of the pace in costs imposed by healthcare providers and facilities, the pool is being drained at an unsustainable pace," Godfread said. "This is the first time in my nearly eight years as insurance commissioner that all health insurance plans purchased on the market will see increased premiums. High costs impact those who purchase their health insurance, and it affects businesses in the state who offer health insurance as an employee benefit." Godfread said, while his office can exercise some control over rates charged by insurance companies in the state, the same can't be said for prices set by health care providers and facilities. "The insurance industry has several safeguards in place to protect consumers. My office carefully reviews the finances, products, and rates of every insurance company operating in the state. These laws ensure that both my office and the public can hold insurance companies accountable," said Godfread. "However, when it comes to the costs and prices set by healthcare providers and facilities, there are fewer mechanisms in place to ensure similar oversight. Ultimately, these costs are passed on to insurance companies and, in turn, to consumers." Open enrollment for plans under the Affordable Care Act will be from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15. Enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage to begin Jan. 1. Consumers can review plans and purchase plans through Healthcare.gov or a licensed agent. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW