IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – Months after customers blasted the company for skyrocketing rates, Iowa’s dominant health insurer says it will limit premium increases in 2014 to less than six percent for individual and small business policyholders. 

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced Tuesday it won’t raise premiums to cover increases for medical or administrative costs in 2014. Instead, it will only raise rates to offset new fees and taxes required of insurance carriers under the Affordable Care Act. The decision impacts 330,000 individuals who purchase health insurance from Wellmark, or who get insurance through small businesses with less than 50 employees. 

It comes after an increase of more than 12 percent went into effect for Wellmark customers April 1. The hike prompted customers to express frustration online and at a public hearing.

The Atlantic Police Department reports the arrest on Monday of 62-year old Thomas Harrelson, of Atlantic. Harrelson was taken into custody for allegedly possessing a controlled substance believed to be heroin. Harrelson was booked into the Cass County Jail.

And, 33-year old Abigail Lennon, of Atlantic, was arrested Monday on a Cass County warrant charging her with Failure to Appear. Lennon was also booked into the jail and held pending a court appearance.

The Harlan Police Department is warning all businesses in the city about counterfeit bills being passed in the area. The PD confirmed the Shelby County State Bank received two counterfeit $20 bills on Monday. The bills had the same serial number. Authorities are urging businesses to check larger bills as they are concerned there may be more in the area.

(Joel McCall/KNOD)