The increase means that monthly premiums would top $100 for the first time — a stark indication of the rise in costs that is driving the health care reform debate.

Opinion by Jonathan Cohn

In a blistering new attack, the health insurance industry said Sunday that health care legislation drafted by Senate Democrats would drive up premiums, rather than making coverage more affordable, as the White House contends.

Critique, coming one day before a critical Senate committee vote on legislation, sparks sharp response from Obama administration.

Obama officials, who have been wooing the insurers, question the timing and source of the report.