Health insurance premiums subject to scrutiny in Arizona

Arizona is among 45 states getting federal money to scrutinize health insurance premiums.

Arizona is getting $1 million that the state Department of Insurance says it will use to review rates and help ensure, in the department's words, "that consumers get value for their dollars."

Part of that efforts includes new reporting and reviewing of health insurance rates, with state officials saying the initial focus will be on individual and small group coverage.

The $46 million awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is the first installment of $250 million for state regulators under the new federal health care law.