The Green Mountain Care Board announced on Friday that it lowered the 2026 health insurance increases proposed by the two principal insurers–Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont and MVP–operating in the Vermont marketplace.
Key outcomes of the 2026 rate review:
- BCBSVT (Individual Market): Requested 23.5% → GMCB approved 9.6%
- BCBSVT (Small Group Market): Requested 13.5% → GMCB approved 4.4%
- MVP (Individual Market): Requested 6.2% → GMCB approved 1.3%
- MVP (Small Group Market): Requested 7.5% → GMCB approved 2.5%
GMCB said it ordered insurers to “lower their assumptions about hospital price increases” as part of its order. The board also is requiring hospitals to reduce their costs.
Despite the reductions, those who purchase insurance in the individual market may still see hikes in their premiums, says GMCB:
“Federal premium assistance is scheduled to decrease in 2026 for many people who purchase a plan in the individual market. As a result, even with the more modest changes in gross individual premiums allowed by GMCB’s decisions, for many people, the net premiums are expected to increase by larger amounts due to the reduced subsidies. GMCB encourages people to go to Vermont Health Connect to review their eligibility for assistance and carefully evaluate their plan options this year.”