RI Attorney General Criticizes 2027 Health Insurance Rate Hikes and Calls for Reform

Rhode Island Health Insurance Rate Decisions

The Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner approved final average rate increases of 4.9% for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island and 15.8% for Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island for plans sold in the individual market, according to an announcement issued on September 29, 2026. While these figures sit slightly below the initial requests submitted by the insurers, the approved adjustments lock in higher premiums for residents purchasing coverage independently.

State Objections and Economic Arguments

Prior to the final decision, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha filed formal objections last month to contest the proposed rate increases. During the administrative rate review proceedings, the Attorney General’s office brought in a health care economist to testify that both Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island and Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island failed to meet their burden in defending the requested hikes. The state’s legal and economic team argued that the proposed rates would inflict direct economic harm on consumers. According to the Attorney General’s statement, health insurance costs in Rhode Island continue to rise at a pace that far outpaces state wage growth, creating a widening affordability gap for residents who are already managing high expenses for basic necessities like food, housing, and energy. During the proceedings, we brought in a health care economist to explain how these insurers failed to meet their burden in defending these proposed rate increases, as well as the potential economic harm these rates will cause Rhode Islanders.

Calls for Comprehensive System Reform

Alongside formal objections, the Attorney General’s office presented data-driven policy solutions aimed at curbing annual premium growth and addressing widespread shortfalls in health care access across the state. State officials contend that current market structures require consumers to absorb the financial impact of policy shortcomings while insurance companies record rising profits. State leadership maintains that addressing the root causes of these increases requires bold, collaborative reform to build a health care system that delivers accessible, affordable, and high-quality care for all Rhode Island residents.