(CHAPEL HILL) -- North Carolina's largest health insurance company wants to raise rates by nearly ten percent for customers under 65 years old. The rate request would affect more 220,000 customers who hold individual policies. That accounts for 61 percent of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina's policy holders.

Spokesman Lew Borman said increased cost and use of medical services drives up rates.  "We're seeing increased used of services in both in-patient and out-patient care, significant increases this year particularly in the areas of cardiology, heart disease and knee and hip replacement procedures," said Borman.

He added that about 4,000 customers will see their rates go down. The rate increase has to be approved by the Department of Insurance.