COLUMBUS — The cost of providing Ohioans more choice in selecting health care providers is higher insurance premiums, a legislative analysis concludes.

        The analysis is of a bill introduced by State Sen. Louis Blessing, R-Colerain Township. It would allow policy-holders now limited to physicians chosen by their insurer to seek treatment from other providers.

        A report commissioned by the Legislative Service Commission and released by Milliman U.S.A. found the proposal could increase premiums by as much as 7.5 percent. Under Ohio law, a cost study must be done on any proposal that includes health care mandates and has had two or more committee hearings.

        The bill, which will be heard again by the Senate Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee in September, could also cause outside providers not familiar with health plan requirements to deny claims, and increase premiums for those who can choose physicians without restrictions, reported Milliman U.S.A., a private company contracted to perform the study.

        The bill was designed to allow Ohioans enrolled in closed panel insurance plans, which cover about 25 percent of those insured, to remain with doctors with whom they have developed a relationship, Mr. Blessing said.

        The report shows costs that are reasonable for consumers to cover, and lower than what sponsors had anticipated, Mr. Blessing said

        “I think the consumers are willing to pay that cost,” he said.

        The increases would be paid out-of-pocket by consumers and would not affect businesses, he said.

        Rep. Merle Kearns, R-Springfield, who has introduced a similar bill in the House, said the report might not have taken into account what savings the proposal would create by providing better health care for consumers.

        “I don't see why it would raise costs like that,” Ms. Kearns said.

        Ohioans need access to outside care because health plans change too frequently, said Rick Cornett of the Ohio Health Providers Coalition, which represents more than 60,000 caregivers.

        About 25 percent of pregnant woman experience a change in their providers before they give birth, and the proposal would ensure that such patients get continuity of care, Mr. Cornett said.

        Critics claim the bill would overburden employers.

        David Hansen, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers Association, said the bill would effectively eliminate “closed provider” policies, which help to keep health insurance affordable.

        Kelly McGivern, president of the Ohio Association of Health Plans, said the report confirms many of the group's concerns over cost of the proposal.

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