Health insurance premiums increase in nearly half of Florida counties by 10 to 15 percent

The average monthly premiums for mid-range health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act increased as much as 20 percent in Florida, but also decreased slightly in one county, year over year.

According to an Associated Press analysis, rural counties and counties where senior citizens make up a significant portion of the population in Florida saw the biggest increases in premium costs for "silver" plans from 2014 to 2015.

South Florida saw only meager increases and premiums decreased ever so slightly in Miami-Dade County, the only Florida county with a decrease in premiums.

The analysis looked at the costs for a single 27-year-old resident, a single 50-year-old resident and a 40-year-old couple with two children.

Health insurance rates have risen as much as 20 or 30 percent in recent years.