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GIC projects roughly 10.5% average premium increase for 2026, cites nationwide price pressures and new drugs
Summary
The Group Insurance Commission told members its preliminary projection for the next plan year averages about a 10.5% premium increase, driven by rising provider prices and costly new prescription drugs; staff outlined several limited plan design changes and legislative mandates that will affect coverage.
The Group Insurance Commission (GIC) on a public listening session said it expects aggregate premium increases for the coming plan year to land near 10.5 percent, and attributed the rise to higher hospital and physician prices and increased spending on prescription drugs.
GIC presenters said the commission’s self‑insured structure means the Commonwealth, not private carriers, bears the risk when members use more care than expected. Matt Harder, GIC staff, told attendees the commission is presenting final rates to the commission in February and that projected increases will then be published in the Benefit Decision Guide ahead of annual enrollment.
Why it matters: GIC covers about 455,000…
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