Massachusetts has rejected ACA rate proposals for 2026 from BCBS Massachusetts and WellSense Health Plan.
WellSense is the insurance arm of Boston Medical Center, which requested a 16.2% rate increase for the individual and small employer market next year. BCBS requested a 12.9% increase.
Each insurer can appeal the decision, and final rate decisions will be made in August. Six insurers had their rate requests approved, including Fallon Community Health (7.1% increase), Health New England (9.4%), Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (12.2%), Mass General Brigham (7.2%), Tufts Health Plan (11.1%), and UnitedHealthcare (9.3%).
Insurers nationwide are requesting the highest ACA premium increases since 2018, with a median increase of 15% based on preliminary rate filings.
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