Health Care Costs Rising
Vermont Business Magazine The Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) on Monday received the 2026 individual and small group health insurance premium rate filings from BlueCross and BlueShield of Vermont and MVP Health Plan. The filings will be posted on the GMCB’s rate review website at https://ratereview.vermont.gov. The average rate increases being requested are shown below:
| Carrier | Individual Market | Small Group Market |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of VT | 23.3% | 13.7% |
| MVP Health Plan | 6.2% | 7.5% |
The filings mark the beginning of a multi-month public review process led by GMCB, during which GMCB hears from its actuaries, the carriers, the Health Care Advocate, the Department of Financial Regulation, and the public. Final decisions are expected to be issued in August. The proposed rates may change during this review period, including due to potential changes at the federal level.
For example, the proposed rates for the individual market reflect increases due to the anticipated loss of federal enhanced premium tax credits. Absent Congressional action, these enhanced tax credits will expire on December 31, 2025, and may result in higher net premium increases for individuals.
GMCB has scheduled public rate review hearings for:
- BlueCross and BlueShield on Monday, July 21 at 8:00 a.m.
- MVP on Wednesday, July 23 at 8:00 a.m.
GMCB is accepting public comments on these filings on an ongoing basis through July 28, 2025. Additionally, a Public Comment Forum will be held on Thursday, July 24 at 4:00 p.m. to provide Vermonters with an opportunity to share their perspectives directly with GMCB.
Additional information about these meetings, including how to attend or participate, will be posted to the GMCB website. Meeting materials and filing documents will also be posted as they become available.
About: The Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) is a 5-member, independent Board created in 2011 with an ambitious mission to drive system-wide improvements in access, affordability, and quality of healthcare to improve the health of Vermonters. Through public meetings, GMCB ensures a transparent approach to healthcare regulation and a voice for stakeholders, including healthcare organizations, clinicians, and members of the public. With a holistic, data driven approach, GMCB carries out its regulatory duties, supports innovation in healthcare delivery and payment reform, and serves as an important resource for independent, transparent analyses of Vermont’s healthcare system performance.
Montpelier, VT – May 12, 2025, Green Mountain Care Board
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