DC Approves 2026 Health Insurance Rates

DC DISB Newsroom

Published September 29th, 2025

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) has approved the 2026 health insurance rates for individual and small business plans. The approved rates reflect average increases of 8.7% for individual plans and 9.5% for small group plans, while also securing over $1.2 million in savings for District residents.

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What changed

The DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) announced the approval of 2026 health insurance rates for individual and small business plans. Following a review process, average rate increases were set at 8.7% for individual plans and 9.5% for small group plans. This approval process resulted in over $1.2 million in savings for District residents by reducing some proposed rates after public hearings and insurer evaluations.

Regulated entities, specifically health insurers operating in DC, have had their 2026 rates finalized. Consumers and employers seeking health insurance should be aware of these approved rates and the upcoming open enrollment period, which begins November 1, 2025, and runs through January 31, 2026, via DC Health Link. While no specific compliance actions are detailed for insurers in this notice, they must adhere to the approved rates for the 2026 plan year.

What to do next

Review approved 2026 health insurance rates for individual and small business plans in DC.
Prepare for the open enrollment period beginning November 1, 2025, for DC Health Link.

Source document (simplified)

Monday, September 29, 2025 (Washington, DC) – The DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) has announced the approved 2026 health insurance rates for individual and small business plans. Following an intensive review process, the final rates reflect average increases of 8.7% for individual plans and 9.5% for small group plans—while delivering over $1.2 million in savings for District residents.

“Thanks to Mayor Bowser’s leadership, DISB is laser-focused on protecting DC consumers from unfair pricing and discriminatory coverage,” said Commissioner Karima Woods. “We rigorously reviewed 188 health plans this year to ensure they meet the District’s high standards—because every resident deserves access to affordable, equitable, and transparent health insurance.”

The Department evaluated rate filings from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Kaiser Permanente, and United Healthcare. The final approvals came after a robust public hearing on September 11, where actuaries presented their findings and DC residents shared personal stories and concerns. Input from insurers, consumer advocates, nonprofit organizations, and the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority helped shape the final decision.

Because of DISB’s thorough review and public engagement, several proposed rates were reduced—resulting in significant savings for consumers across the District.

Open enrollment for individuals and families through DC Health Link begins November 1, 2025, and runs through January 31, 2026. Residents can visit DCHealthLink.com or call (855) 532-5465 for assistance.

For full details on the approved 2026 health insurance rates, visit disb.dc.gov/2026rates.

2026 Individual and Small Group (SG) Health Insurance Rates

| Issuer | Market | Initial Rate Change Request | Approved Rate Change | Covered Lives Impacted by 2024 Rate Changes |
| CareFirst (INS) | IND | 12.6% | 9.9% | 8,846 |
| SG | 8.4% | 8.2% | 20,519 | |
| CareFirst (HMO) | IND | 4.1% | 4.1% | 2,451 |
| SG | 10.1% | 10.1% | 47,984 | |
| Kaiser | IND | 12.9% | 9.0% | 2,400 |
| SG | 10.1% | 9.0% | 4,847 | |
| UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (INS) | SG | 7.7% | 9.8% | 10,908 |
| Optimum Choice, Inc.(HMO) | SG | 8.5% | 8.8% | 390 |
| United Healthcare of the Mid-Atlantic (HMO) | SG | 10.1% | 9.9% | 381 |

About DISB
The mission of the 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.

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