ACA insurers requested a median rate increase of 15% for 2027, according to a Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker analysis. However, some states are pushing back — while others are abiding by those requests — as they finalize increases.
The finalized rates precede open enrollment, beginning Nov. 1.
Here are six updates to know:
- The New York State Department of Financial Services approved rate bumps Sept. 4. While insurers requested average increases of 23.7% in the small group and 20.6% in the individual markets, the state cut those increases to 8% and 6%, respectively. New York has roughly 860,000 residents enrolled across individual and small group plans.
- The Delaware Department of Insurance released final rates Sept. 4. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield requested a 20.2% increase, and the state approved an average increase of 17.2%. AmeriHealth Caritas requested a 13.9% bump, and the state moved forward with an average 13.94% increase. Centene’s Ambetter will exit the state’s ACA market in 2027.
- Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation approved an average 21.6% increase for the individual market and 15.5% increase for the small group market, according to an Aug. 18 news release. While the 15.5% increase was down from insurers’ proposed 17% increase for 2027, the individual rate boost was up from insurers’ requested average of 17.5%.
- Vermont’s Green Mountain Care Board approved individual rate increases of 2.2% and 3.9% for BCBS Vermont and MVP Health Plan, respectively. The insurers requested 6.5% and 7.8% rate increases for the individual market. For small group rates, BCBS Vermont and MVP Health Plan requested 4.5% and 9.1% increases, ultimately securing 1.2% and 6.2% boosts for 2027, respectively. The state shared the finalized rates, affecting more than 67,000 residents, Aug. 18.
- The Maine Bureau of Insurance published finalized rate increases Aug. 14. The bureau green-lit average rate increases of 14.8% and 13.5% for the individual and small employer markets, respectively. Insurers had sought increases of 16.8% for individuals and 15.7% for small employers.
- Massachusetts approved a 10.8% weighted average base rate change for 2027.
Editor’s note: This article was originally posted Sept. 8 and will continue to be updated.
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