Vermont’s top health care regulator ordered health insurers selling plans on the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace to keep their premium price increases for next year much lower than the companies proposed in May.

On Friday, the Green Mountain Care Board released its final decision on the percentage increase that it would allow. The order impacts so-called Qualified Health Plans sold on Vermont Health Connect to both individuals and small groups. The regulatory board reviews proposed price increases for these plans annually.

This year, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, which is one of only two insurers that sells plans on Vermont Health Connect, initially requested a 23.5% increase in rates for the individual insurance market and a 13.5% increase for its small group market plans.

See Full Page