An Advocate’s Guide to health insurance rate hikes

Health insurance premium increases have caused many individuals and families to move to plans with higher cost-sharing or drop coverage all together. The high cost of coverage has gained nationwide attention as insurers continue to impose double-digit rate hikes, particularly on those who purchase coverage in the individual market, without the help of an employer. Why do insurers raise rates? Are they required to justify rate hikes, and if so, how? How can advocates protect consumers from unreasonable or unjustified increases?

This Guide aims to answer these questions.