Insurers will propose changes to Obama health law

The insurance industry says more options for bare-bones coverage under President Barack Obama's health care law would entice healthy young adults to sign up, helping to stabilize premiums.

Insurers want Congress to change the law to allow subsidies for consumers who buy so-called catastrophic plans. Given the polarized politics of Washington, it's unlikely that would happen anytime soon.

But the main industry trade group, America's Health Insurance Plans, is going ahead with its recommendations Wednesday.

Only about 2 percent of the 8 million signed up this year picked a catastrophic plan. The law's tax credits can't currently be used to buy catastrophic coverage.

Catastrophic plans require consumers to foot a hefty share of their annual medical costs, but they provide protection against a major accident or an unexpected diagnosis.