Recent health insurance rate increases by Trustmark Life Insurance Company forced the federal government to comment on the situation, requiring the organization to get rid of the hike, or explain why it increased rates.

Five states would be affected by the changes, including Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Virginia and Alabama, according to the release. In total, close to 10,000 consumers would witness the rate hike. The new healthcare reform rules allow the government to force companies to explain increases in health insurance rates.

"Before the Affordable Care Act, consumers were in the dark about their health insurance premiums because there was no nationwide transparency or accountability," said Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.  "Now, insurance companies are required to disclose rate increases over 10 percent and justify these increases."

While the federal government has the ability to question rate increases, many states have taken advantage of the power, as well, the report noted.

Even with these actions in mind, the full effects of healthcare reform are unknown. It may be a good idea for consumers to try to lock in affordable health insurance rates now before any more changes are enacted.