Aug. 01--The state Department of Insurance issued detailed breakdowns Tuesday of health insurance rebates going out to some employers and employees this week.

The average rebate is about $65 per family.

Under the new federal health care overhaul, major health insurers across the country must give rebates to consumers if they don't spend at least 80 percent to 85 percent of premiums on health care costs.

Here's the rebate breakdown by California insurers:

-- Blue Shield of California Life & Health Insurance Co.: $10.8 million to 239,595 individual policyholders; average rebate: $45.15.

-- Kaiser Permanente Insurance: $277,034 to 21,823 individual subscribers; average rebate: $12.69.

-- Connecticut General Life Insurance (CIGNA): $3.4 million to large-group employers covering 89,575 subscribers; average rebate: $37.70.

-- Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance: $1.3 million to 407,429 individual subscribers; average rebate: $3.16.

-- Aetna Life Insurance: $3.4 million to large-group employers covering 84,428 subscribers; average rebate: $40.50.

-- PacifiCare Life and Health Insurance: $789,615 to large-group employers covering 63,600 subscribers; average rebate: $12.42.

In addition, the state Department of Managed Health Care oversees two insurers also issuing rebates: United HealthCare, $3.8 million to 22,260 small-group policyholders, average rebate: $173; and Anthem Blue Cross, $38.6 million to 182,214 small-group policyholders, average rebate: $212.

These first-time health insurance rebates are issued either to individuals who purchase their own insurance or to employers, who are expected to pass on savings to covered employees.

The rebates do not apply to Medicare supplemental insurance plans.

Call The Bee'sClaudia Buck, (916) 321-1968.

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