CT Regulators Warn of ‘Rate Shock’ as Health Insurers Seek Double-Digit Premium Hikes for 2026

CT Regulators Warn of ‘Rate Shock’ as Health Insurers Seek Double-Digit Premium Hikes for 2026

Connecticut residents who rely on the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace and small group health plans may soon face sharp increases in 2026 premiums, with insurers seeking double-digit hikes that regulators and lawmakers say could rival recent utility “rate shocks.”

Three CT health insurers want major rate increases

Gildred Ortiz, center, and Julio Colon, right, receive help from an outreach worker for Access Health CT.(Jessica Hill / AP)Three Connecticut health insurers want to raise rates for state-regulated individual plans by an average of nearly 18%.Officials from each company that sells insurance plans through Access Health CT — Anthem Health Plans, ConnectiCare Insurance Company and CTCare Benefits Inc. — were at a public hearing at the State Capitol…