Oregon’s 2026 Health Rate Announcement

The Oregon Department of Financial Regulation revealed on Wednesday that it has finalized the health insurance rates for individual and small group plans for 2026. This announcement comes after a lengthy period filled with uncertainty and delays at the federal level that disrupted the usual review process.

According to the state agency’s announcement, five insurers will continue to provide plans across Oregon: Moda, Bridgespan, PacificSource, Providence, and Regence. Additionally, Kaiser Permanente will cover 11 counties, bringing the total options for consumers in key regions to six.

Overview of Average Changes for 2026

• Individual Market: For the individual market, six companies have proposed rate changes that lead to an average increase of 9.7 percent. This varies from a 3.9 percent increase from PacificSource to a 12.9 percent increase from Kaiser. Comparatively, last year the average requested increase was slightly less at 9.3 percent.
• Small Group Market: In the small group market, eight companies submitted requests with increases ranging from 5.2 percent (PacificSource) to 21.5 percent (Providence). The weighted average increase here is 11.5 percent, showing a slight decline from last year’s average request of 12.3 percent.

Impact of Federal Policy Changes

Looking ahead, consumers are expected to face rising premiums in 2026 due to the expiration of federal Affordable Care Act tax subsidies that have been pivotal in reducing costs for many Oregonians. The Enhanced Premium Tax Credit, which expanded these subsidies, will end on December 31, 2025, unless Congress decides to extend it.

Should these subsidies not be reauthorized, those purchasing health insurance through the federal marketplace will receive lower tax credits to offset their monthly premiums. This is particularly concerning for middle-income households and those in rural areas, which may experience significant hikes in premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

This federal shift is outside of the control of states, but there is an expectation that the number of people purchasing plans from the Marketplace—around 126,000 as of the end of the second quarter—could rise substantially, with some estimates suggesting increases of 300 to 400 percent.

Despite these potential premium hikes, it’s crucial for consumers to keep their health insurance active to shield themselves from unexpected health costs. For assistance in selecting a plan or to compare costs, the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace provides helpful calculation tools for consumers to make informed choices.

Even amid these national cost pressures, Oregon’s reinsurance program remains a critical factor in controlling premiums. Since its inception eight years ago, it has consistently reduced premiums in the individual market by at least 6.5 percent annually, achieving a notable 9 percent reduction this year alone, compared to what they would be without the program.

For final prices and coverage maps, details will be available on the DFR website.

About Oregon DFR

The Department of Financial Regulation aims to protect consumers and oversee insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. It operates under the Department of Consumer and Business Services, the largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency in Oregon. For more information, visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.