Press Release – September 11, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2026

HARTFORD, CT - The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) today announced its final rate decisions for 2027 fully insured individual and small group health insurance plans, including plans offered on and off the state-sponsored exchange. The Department's actions lower the rate increases originally requested by insurers while reflecting broad cost pressures facing Connecticut families and small businesses.

Following extensive actuarial analysis, CID approved an average increase of 11.3% in the individual market and 15.1% in the small group market, compared with initial requests of 16.2% and 17.8%, respectively. These decisions reduce projected premiums by approximately 30% in the individual market and 15% in the small group market from the amounts insurers originally sought. Approximately 220,000 Connecticut residents are enrolled in fully insured individual and small group plans regulated by the Department.

CID evaluated five filings submitted by four insurers. The Department requested supporting documentation and adjusted rates when cost projections were not adequately supported. The review resulted in reducing premiums by over $100 million and limited insurer profits to less than 1% of premiums. The Department also considered public comments and testimony from its August 26th informational meeting.

"There are no winners when health care costs continue to rise at this pace," Insurance Commissioner Josh Hershman said. "Even when the Department reduces what insurers request, an increase is still an increase. Families and small businesses that are already stretched by the cost of health coverage continue to feel that pressure."

"Rate review is a vital consumer protection, but it cannot solve rising health care costs on its own. Premiums follow system-wide cost trends, and insurers must negotiate aggressively to manage care effectively and justify every dollar reflected in their rates. We need to move beyond the annual debate over rates and address the underlying drivers of health care costs, which is why the state is advancing the work required under Public Act 26-68 to develop a more affordable and sustainable health coverage model for Connecticut," said Hershman.

Complete rate decisions, actuarial information, public comments, and additional information about the Department's review of health rate requests for Plan Year 2027 are available on the CID's ACA Rate Filings webpage.

Open enrollment for 2027 coverage begins October 23, 2026. Consumers can compare plans and rates during this period. CID encourages individuals and small employers to review premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket costs, and provider networks when selecting a plan.

Additional enrollment resources are available through Access Health CT, the state's health insurance exchange.

###

Contact: Mary Quinn
Communications Director
[email protected]
Cell: (959) 529-4904