Health insurance premium hikes will get a harder look in most parts of the country, thanks to an infusion of federal cash for state regulators.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Monday announced $46 million in federal grants to help states strengthen their oversight of health insurance rate hikes. It's the first installment of $250 million for state regulators in the new health care law.

Forty-five states and Washington, D.C., will get money for a range of projects, including drafting stronger laws, putting proposed rate hikes through close scrutiny, and upgrading their data systems.

Five states did not apply for money — Alaska, Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wyoming — but may do so later.