OR Dept. of Consumer & Business Services release - Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) will begin its annual health insurance rate review process in June for the 2027 plan year, with state regulators warning that federal decisions could have a significant effect on what Oregonians pay for coverage next year.  Insurance companies submitting proposed 2027 rates are expected to cite several emerging federal factors in their filings.  “The loss of the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, impact of tariffs, and changing federal guidance have left more Oregonians vulnerable to health care costs generally,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “Oregonians who buy their own coverage or work for small businesses deserve to know about the rate filing process, what’s driving rates to increase or decrease, and how to share their perspective. This level of transparency and accountability is unprecedented for a rate review process, and one we take seriously as a regulator.”  The transparent, actuarial-driven process includes publication of planned rates and public hearings on the rate filings for the individual and small group markets. Each year, health insurance companies submit planned rates, which the division then reviews under strict actuarial standards to ensure the rates are sound and insurers remain solvent.  The division analyzes the rates to determine whether they are actuarially sound, a process that is a months-long review. Part of the analysis includes reviewing the rates to ensure they are not excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, as well as whether the planned administrative expenses are reasonable. DFR does not create or establish rates but rather reviews the rate proposals of insurance companies and ensures that all statutory factors are considered.  Oregon also operates a reinsurance program that operates to offset costs in the individual market and reduces rates by 6 percent to 8 percent each year. That program, using a combination of federal and state funds, is particularly effective at offsetting high-dollar claims in the individual market. DFR is pursuing a renewal of this reinsurance program with support from Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek.  Who this process affects:  This rate review process applies to Oregonians who purchase health coverage through the health insurance marketplace or directly from an insurance company, and to employees of small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. As of December 2025, per DFR’s quarterly enrollment reports, the Oregon individual market covered 148,376 people (3.4 percent of Oregonians), while the small group market covered 137,485 people (3.2 percent). In total, these markets cover 285,861 people (roughly 6.6 percent). It does not affect people covered through Medicare, Medicaid/Oregon Health Plan, or large employer or self-insured plans.