According to a notice from the Maryland Insurance Administration, CareFirst BlueChoice, Inc. is seeking to implement mid-year rate increases for its BlueChoice HMO small group health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act. The proposed adjustments, slated to take effect for new business and renewals beginning July 1, 2026, would represent an incremental rise above previously approved annual increases. Specifically, the insurer is requesting average year-over-year base rate increases of 10.3% for the third quarter of 2026 and 10.9% for the fourth quarter of 2026. These figures build upon the currently approved 2.9% year-over-year increases established in the annual 2026 rate filing, suggesting an additional hike of approximately 7.7% to 7.8% over those figures.
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The Maryland Insurance Administration is inviting public input on this request and has scheduled a virtual public hearing. This session is intended to allow stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the proposed rate adjustments. The hearing will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Attendees can join the virtual meeting via ZoomGov at https://maryland-insurance.zoomgov.com/j/1612950843. Alternatively, participants may dial in by phone to (646) 828-7666, using Meeting ID: 1612950843. Residents and small business owners who hold or are considering CareFirst BlueChoice HMO plans in Maryland may wish to participate to understand how these proposed increases could affect their healthcare costs. The administration is providing this opportunity for public testimony as part of its regulatory oversight of health insurance rates within the state.
Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Insurance Administration.
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