Coalition Calls For 'Healthcare Cost Freeze' In PA As Insurers Request Rate Increases
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Advocates are urging the state agency tasked with reviewing health insurer applications for rate changes to reject proposed increases for 2027 that would apply to plans purchased by individuals and small businesses.
On average, insurers are asking for a 17.1% increase for individuals and 11.5% for small businesses, according to the
The submissions include increases for Pennie plans available on the state's Affordable Care Act marketplace. Submitted premium increases range from single-digit growth to a 40% increase.
More than 600 Pennsylvanians signed a petition calling for a "healthcare cost freeze," organized by the
"The proposed 17.1% average increase in monthly premiums for 2027 Pennie health insurance plans would place an unacceptable burden on
Pennie enrollees include gig workers, child care staff and others who don't have access to employer-sponsored plans, she added, who "are facing double-digit premium increases while the cost of everyday necessities continues to rise."
"If these proposed rates take effect, even more Pennsylvanians are likely to be priced out of essential health coverage and forced to make painful cuts to basic household needs," Kraus continued.
Coalition members include Kraus' organization, Affordable PA, the
Companies must file their proposed rates for review and approval. State staff determine "whether each requested rate change is justified, ensuring they are not excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory," according to the department.
"These rates are higher than we'd hoped and reflect continued rising costs across the healthcare environment," said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner
The increases come after Pennie enrollment dropped by 160,000 Pennsylvanians following the expiration of federal subsidies that caused premiums to more than double.
Coalition members say that companies are increasing premiums even as their profits soar, noting multi-million dollar compensation for many top insurance leaders. They've organized a website to collect public comments, which are due by
2027 Proposed Rate Changes in the Individual Market:
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* Geisinger Quality Options: Average rate increase request: 12.95% (rating areas 2,3,5,6,7 and 9)
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* Oscar Health Plan of PA: Average rate increase request: 15.39% (rating areas 3,6,7 and 9);
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Note: Ambetter's rate increase reflects both a silver-to-silver plan average increase of 23.44%, and an additional bronze-to-silver plan increase of 17.46% as the company will no longer offer bronze plans. Pennsylvanians with discontinued Ambetter bronze plans will have access to bronze plans from other companies.
2027 Proposed Rate Changes in the Small Group Market:
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* Geisinger Quality Options: Average rate increase request: 4.05% (rating areas 2,3,5,6,7 and 9);
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* Highmark Care Benefits: Average rate increase request: 19.95% (rating area 3);
* Highmark Coverage Advantage: Average rate increase request: 14.63% (rating areas 1,2,4,5, and 6);
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* UnitedHealthcare of PA: Average rate increase request: 8.00% (rating 1,2,3,4 and 5);
* UPMC Health Benefits: Average rate increase request: 12.39% (rating areas 1 and 5);
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Note: UnitedHealthcare of PA's rate increase reflects an annual rate adjustment and mapping of small group plans that will transition from
Final approved numbers will be publicized in the fall. Public comment can also be emailed to [email protected].
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