Maryland has approved midyear rate increases for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and UnitedHealthcare in the state’s small group market, citing a significant rise in inpatient hospitalizations and inpatient and outpatient surgeries.
The approved rates came in below what both carriers requested, the state said June 26. For CareFirst, the state approved a 5.6% average midyear adjustment, resulting in an 8.2% annual rate increase for the third quarter of 2026 and an 8.6% annual increase for the fourth quarter.
For UnitedHealthcare, the administration approved a 1.5% midyear adjustment effective Oct. 1, affecting about 26,200 members and resulting in a 10.1% annual rate increase.
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