Rising drug and hospital costs could hit Delaware wallets hard

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Rising health care prices, inflation and the growing use of high-cost prescription drugs are key factors driving the proposed rate increases.

Delaware residents may face some of the nation's highest Affordable Care Act premium hikes in 2026, with insurers requesting increases over 30%.

Final rates will be set later this year, and federal subsidies, if they continue, could lessen the financial impact on most consumers.

Delaware residents who rely on the Affordable Care Act marketplace could see some of the steepest premium hikes in the country next year. According to a new national report, three insurers offering ACA plans in Delaware are requesting rate hikes of more than 30% for 2026 – significantly higher than the national median.

Each year, health insurers submi