A study by a national group of financial-risk analysts says the federal health care law will raise claims costs in Nebraska’s individual health insurance market by an average of nearly 31 percent.

The Society of Actuaries estimates that President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act will raise claims costs nationally by an average of 32 percent per person in the individual health insurance market by 2017. That’s partly due to sicker people joining the pool.

Medical claims costs are the main driver of health insurance premiums.

The study finds wide disparities among states.

The estimates assume every state will expand its Medicaid program. Gov. Dave Heineman is opposed to expanding Medicaid in Nebraska.

The report did not make similar estimates for employer plans, the mainstay for workers and their families.