North Dakota insurance commissioner posts premium rate changes for next year

North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread on Monday released health insurance premium rate changes for Affordable Care Act plans for 2027.

His news release includes a table of ACA small group and individual market rate increases for companies including UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota and Sanford Health Plan. Godfread did reduce some of the companies’ requested rate increases.

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“Protecting consumers means scrutinizing what insurers charge and making sure they pay claims when people need care,” said Godfread, a Republican. “We review the insurers’ financial condition, claims costs, administrative expenses and profit margins, and we reduced several of their requested increases for 2027. The unfortunate reality is that premiums must cover the expected cost of providing coverage. These approved rates reflect what our review determined is necessary to meet those obligations and maintain financially sound companies that North Dakotans can depend on.” 

He added, “Insurers, hospitals, other providers and policymakers all have a responsibility to help make healthcare more affordable. Families and small businesses cannot keep absorbing these increases.”

Open enrollment for ACA plans lasts Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, though enrolling by Dec. 15 helps ensure coverage begins Jan. 1. 

Consumers can look through and purchase plans via healthcare.gov or a licensed agent. For more, see insurance.nd.gov or call 701-328-2440.