Idaho avoids insurance takeover

BOISE (AP) - The state has averted a federal takeover of insurance rate increase reviews in Idaho.

Federal officials said in July they would assume the responsibility of reviewing increases of 10 percent or more in health insurance premiums proposed by private Idaho insurance companies starting Sept. 1.

The move was the result of an executive order Idaho Gov. Butch Otter signed earlier this year to prohibit the state from implementing any component of the 2010 federal health care overhaul.

Otter's order came after the end of the 2011 Legislature to underscore his official objections to some of the provisions passed by Congress, including to eventually force residents to buy health insurance come 2014, or be fined.

Idaho is among states suing over the federal law.