Attorney General Neronha again calls for health care reform following OHIC’s health insurance rates decision

Published on Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following statement after today's announcement about 2027 health insurance rate approvals by the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner:

“Last month, my Office filed objections to the substantial health insurance rate increases requested by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island and Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island. Throughout the course of this year’s rate review proceedings, the Office urged the Health Insurance Commissioner to reject the requested rate increases because they have been, and will continue to be, unaffordable for consumers. During the proceedings, we brought in a health care economist to explain how these insurers failed to meet their burden in defending these proposed rate increases, as well as the potential economic harm these rates will cause Rhode Islanders. The Office also offered several data-driven policy solutions that would help curb this annual premium growth. Despite the widespread shortfalls in access to care that Rhode Islanders face, the cost of health insurance continues to steadily rise – far outpacing wage growth in the state. This is obviously a major problem, made demonstrably worse by inaction by these companies.

"Today, OHIC approved final average rate increases of 4.9% for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island and 15.8% for Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island for plans sold in the individual market. While these increases are slightly lower than those sought by the insurers, they remain unsustainable for Rhode Islanders struggling to afford basic goods like food, housing, and energy – all of which are more expensive than ever. Rhode Islanders deserve better than a system that consistently requires consumers to shoulder the financial burden of policy shortcomings while insurers enjoy their ever-increasing profits. Rhode Islanders deserve innovative strategies to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality care for all, and the only way to achieve this is through bold, collaborative reform of our health care system.”

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