How Health Insurance Rates Could Rise In New York In 2026

New Yorkers could see their health insurance costs increase by up to 13 percent in 2026, according to a report.

Why It Matters

Health insurance is a major cost for millions of Americans, and increases could add strain to peoples’ finances. Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, warned in June that the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” passed by the GOP-led Congress, could further contribute to increased health insurance premiums over the coming years l.

What to Know

A report from the Community Service Society (CSS), a New York nonprofit, found that insurance companies in New York’s Affordable Care Act marketplace are requesting higher rates for 2026 that could cause New Yorkers who get their insurance through that marketplace to pay thousands of dollars more in insurance payments.

Emblem Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York is asking for the smallest increase at only one percent, according to the report. That is an average of $170 more per person.

But other companies are asking for larger increases, with the Independent Health Benefits Corporation asking for a 38 percent increase, or $3,440 more in premiums per person, according to the report. United Healthcare of New York is asking for a 37 percent increase—equating to a $5,226 increase in premiums.

MVP Health Plan Inc. and Fidelis are both asking for an 8 percent increase, while MetroPlus Health Plan and Anthem are asking for 10 percent. Healthfirst PHSP and Capital District Physicians Health Plan are asking for 14 percent rises, and Oscar Insurance Corporation wants a 17 percent increase, according to the report.

Highmark Western and Northeastern New York Inc. is asking for a 24 percent increase, and Excellus Health Plan is asking for a 25 percent increase, according to CSS.

Peterson-KFF reported in July that individual market insurers across the country are requesting the largest premium increases in years, with some companies asking for more than 50 percent increases in ACA Marketplace plans.

What People Are Saying

CSS wrote in the report: “New York’s individual market premiums might increase by up to 13 percent in 2026, forcing consumers to pay an extra $1,291 more annually. New York’s twelve individual market carriers are requesting increases ranging from one percent by Emblem to a staggering 38 percent by Independent Health. These requests far surpass requests from carriers in other states.”

Governor Hochul wrote in June: “The GOP’s Big Ugly bill would slash health care coverage for millions of New Yorkers and raise monthly costs by hundreds of dollars. If New York’s Republican delegation won’t stand up for their own constituents, I will.

What Happens Next

Whether these increase requests will be approved is yet to be seen. The price of health care remains a key issue facing the U.S.