NY O’Care firms seek big hike$

New York health insurers have requested increases as high as 47 percent for ObamaCare policies next year while debate rages in Washington on overhauling the law, according to data submitted to state regulators.

The average proposed increase for individual policies for 2018 is 16.6 percent, the Department of Financial Services said Wednesday.

But some consumers would get whacked with much higher increases, if approved by Albany.

HealthNow New York is seeking a 47 percent increase in premiums, United Healthcare of New York wants a 38 percent hike, and Care Connect is requesting a 30 percent surge.

Emblem Health/HIP wants a 25 percent hike and Healthfirst PHSOP, a 22 percent increase.

MetroPlus, the health insurer run by New York City’s municipal health system, Health + Hospitals, has proposed a more modest 7.9 percent increase.

“MetroPlus has made every effort to keep its rates affordable for 2018. We believe that affordable rates combined with a strong network of high-quality providers and caring service make MetroPlus a clear choice for New Yorkers,” the carrier said in a statement.

For the small-group market, insurers have requested an average increase of 11.5 percent.

Last year, insurers sought an average 19.3 percent boost; the state approved a 16.6 percent increase.

DFS will rule on the proposed rate increases for 2018 following a 30-day publiccomment period.