DISB ANNOUNCES APPROVED 2027 HEALTH INSURANCE RATES; RIGOROUS REVIEW PROTECTS DC CONSUMERS AND SMALL BUSINESSES

The following information was released by the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB):

The DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) announced today the approved 2027 health insurance rates for individual and small business plans. Following a comprehensive actuarial analysis and intensive review process, the finalized rates reflect an average increase of 9.9% for individual plans and 11.5% for small group plans. While the Department was able to make rate adjustments, affordability challenges persist.

In alignment with its consumer protection mission, DISB remains deeply committed to balancing premium affordability with the shifting realities of medical care costs impacting District residents and small businesses. Healthcare costs continue to escalate due to soaring pharmaceutical pricesprimarily driven by specialty drugscoupled with rising provider reimbursements and increased service utilization. The issues faced in Washington, DC are not unique to the District, and the rate changes in DC are similar to, or less than, what other states are experiencing. Moving forward, DISB continues to actively pursue meaningful, long-term strategies to address these underlying cost drivers within the District's marketplace.

Thanks to Mayor Bowsers leadership, DISB is laser-focused on protecting District consumers from unfair pricing and unsupported cost projections, said DISB Commissioner Karima Woods. We rigorously reviewed 181 health plans this year to ensure they meet the Districts high standardsbecause every resident deserves access to affordable, equitable and transparent health insurance.

The Department evaluated rate filings from major carriers including CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Kaiser Permanente, and UnitedHealthcare. The final rate approvals were determined following a robust public hearing on August 25, 2026, where actuaries presented detailed findings and DC residents shared personal testimonies regarding their coverage concerns. Feedback from insurers, consumer advocates, nonprofit organizations and the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority heavily informed the final decision.

About DISB

The mission of the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) is three-fold: (1) cultivate a regulatory environment that protects consumers and attracts and retains financial services firms to the District; (2) empower and educate residents on financial matters; and (3) provide financing for District small businesses.