Rhode Island Approves Hikes To Health Insurance Rates

RHODE ISLAND — Health insurance rates in Rhode Island will go next year, according to the 2023 market premium rates the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC) released Wednesday.

In June, health insurers proposed increasing rates on a range of 7 to 17 percent, but state officials ultimately approved a smaller increase. Still, Commissioner Patrick Tigue said he approved increases ranging from about 3 to nearly 10 percent.

"My office has conducted a thorough review of the rate filings, public input, and considered the actuarial recommendations provided by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office across all markets," Tigue said in a statement. "As I said when my office published the requested increases in June, the rates demonstrate the continued need for shared accountability by insurers and providers to address the underlying costs of health care in order to promote affordability for Rhode Island consumers and businesses."

During public comment before the decision, many residents expressed outrage over the rate increases, the Boston Globe reported.

Resident Clay Moore, in an email to the OHIC obtained by the Globe, said Rhode Islanders are facing "excessive increases" to gas price, rent, property taxes, groceries and more. He said it would be "unconscionable to raise" rates.

See the full list of 2023 health insurance rate increases below: