Starting in September, U.S. health insurance companies that want to increase premiums by 10 percent or more are going to face tougher government scrutiny from state or national regulators, according to new federal regulation issued Thursday from the Obama administration.

With news outlets broadcasting dire predictions about the financial downturn like a frothy-mouthed preacher on the apocalypse, we feel it's time to take a look at how people think the recession will affect insurance. With this in mind, we'll take a look at projections about how insurers may fare, how your premium could shape up, and other worries and notable points to keep in your head moving forward.