FARGO (AP) - Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota is seeking a 14.9 percent increase in health insurance premiums for employee groups. The state Insurance Department is reviewing the request.

The employee groups represent nearly a quarter of the members of Blue Cross Blue Shield, which is North Dakota's largest insurer.

Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm has at least 60 days to make a decision on the latest request. Last month, Hamm rejected the Blues' request for a 14.8 percent increase in premiums for the bank depositor group, which represents individuals. Blue Cross has asked for a hearing to appeal the denial.

The insurer says the employee group represents 114,666 members and more than 57,000 contracts. Last year, Blue Cross was granted a 9.9 percent increase for that group, after requesting 17.3 percent.