OPINION

Colorado health-insurance costs projected to rise 14.4 percent next year

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Colorado businesses are facing a projected 14.4 percent increase in health-insurance costs for 2011, the biggest jump in six years.

The rise in Colorado rates is higher than national averages and runs the risk of stifling hiring and business expansion, analysts said.

"The rate of increase we're seeing is a real serious concern from a business climate and competitiveness standpoint," said Bill Lindsay, president of Lockton Benefit Group-Denver.