Federal subsidy changes, national policy shifts, and local cost pressures drive increases for the upcoming plan year

DOVER, DE (September 4, 2026) – The Delaware Department of Insurance today released approved rates for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plans offered on the Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace for Plan Year 2027. These actuarially justified rate increases filed by carriers reflect national policy changes, including the impacts of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” federal budget actions, and the expiration of the enhanced Advanced Premium Tax Credits. These rates do not apply to Medicare, Medicaid, or those with group or individual policies purchased outside Healthcare.gov.

“President Trump and Republicans in Congress are forcing our neighbors to make an impossible choice: stretch their budgets even further to afford the care they need or go without coverage altogether. It’s the obvious result of decisions they made when they pushed through their so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ and chose to let the Affordable Care Act Enhanced Premium Tax Credits expire, all to give more to the wealthiest and making healthcare more expensive and less accessible for everyone else. We will continue pressing our colleagues to reverse these harmful policies, protect healthcare for our neighbors, and bring down costs for families across our state,” said Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester and Representative Sarah McBride.

2027 Rates Finalized

Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro emphasized that the Department’s review process aims to balance consumer protection with market stability.

“Federal actions have made health coverage more expensive nationwide, and Delaware is not immune” Commissioner Navarro said. “Our team has worked to limit increases wherever actuarially possible, while ensuring carriers have sufficient funds to pay the high health care costs of our state. We will continue advocating for policy solutions that keep coverage within reach for Delaware families.”

Delaware’s health care system remains among the most expensive in the country. Efforts to address underlying cost drivers are ongoing, including the implementation of Senate Bill 1, led by the Department.

Following extensive review by Department staff, independent actuaries, and the Office of Value-Based Health Care Delivery, rate actions for Plan Year 2027 are as follows:

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield requested a rate increase of 20.20% and an average increase of 17.20% was approved. They will market 16 comprehensive plans and one catastrophic plan, which includes three primary care visits. Offerings include HSA accounts, as well as connected vision and adult dental coverage.

AmeriHealth Caritas’ request to increase was adjusted to a final average of 13.94% after actuarial discussion with the Department. Their 9 plans are promoted as not requiring referrals.

All ACA-compliant Marketplace plans must offer essential health benefits, including prescription drugs, emergency services, maternity and newborn care, mental and behavioral health services, hospitalization, telehealth, and preventive services. Plans are available across the ACA’s metal levels, giving consumers options to balance monthly premiums and out‑of‑pocket costs.

Off-market individual offerings include thirteen plans from AmeriHealth Caritas and twenty from Highmark, both receiving increases that align with their on-Marketplace rates.

Delta Dental will increase rates by an average of 4.3% for two Marketplace family plans. Dominion Dental will increase their ACA premiums an average of 5.8% on their two plans, including pediatric plans.

Off-market small group plan options for the coming plan year will finalize in October. Rate submissions show thirty-two plan options offered by Highmark at a requested 19.8% increase.

Enrollment Information

Open enrollment for Plan Year 2027 begins on November 1. Delawareans experiencing qualifying life events such as losing job‑based coverage, moving, or welcoming a child may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period outside the standard window.

Additional Resources

• Review guidance on avoiding non‑compliant alternative health plans
• Find out if you qualify for special enrollment

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