Health insurance rates could be getting larger, as healthcare costs are on the rise, according to the S&P Healthcare Economic Composite Index.

Overall healthcare costs for commercial insurance and Medicare rose by 5.28 percent year-over-year during December. The Commercial Index increased 7.11 percent compared to the same point in 2010, while Medicare rates increased by 2.51 percent. The Hospital and Professional Services Indices increased 4.99 and 5.34 percent, respectively.

"After November's deceleration, healthcare costs annual growth rates bounced back in December," said David Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at S&P Indices. "Since the end of the summer we have generally seen increasing annual growth rates, particularly with healthcare costs covered by commercial plans.

Those who have a public plan and are not satisfied with the high costs may want to look into affordable health insurance rates. There could be a cheaper option that fits a person's needs, and by going online and comparing health insurance quotes, a consumer could find what they are looking for.