• Independent Health requested an average rate increase of 14.2% in the individual market, where it has about 4,000 members, but the state approved no increase. On the small groups, in which Independent Health has 25,000 members, the insurer requested an increase of 11.4%, but the state cut that to 6.2%.
• Excellus Health Plan, which does business in Western New York as Univera Healthcare, sought an average rate increase of 17.2% in the individual market, but was approved for a 12.2% hike. For small groups, Excellus requested an average increase of 17%, but the state cut that to a 13.5% hike. Excellus, based in Rochester, has 17,260 members in its individual plans and more than 137,500 small-group members.
Independent Health said its combined 29,000 individual and small group members represent about 10% of its total membership. Independent Health, which is in the process of affiliating with Schenectady-based MVP Health Care, reported a net loss of $64.2 million on revenues of more than $2.6 billion in 2025, but its results were improving in the second half of the year and into 2026.
Independent Health on Wednesday reported a net loss last year of $64.2 million on revenues of more than $2.6 billion.
“Independent Health always takes an actuarially sound approach when it comes to rating our products which reflect rising healthcare cost trends and the actual medical care and services for our members,” Independent Health spokesperson Frank J. Sava said in a statement Friday. “Although the approved rates differ from our requested rates, we respect the state’s role in reviewing premium requests and share the goal of keeping coverage affordable as healthcare costs continue to rise.”
After four straight years of financial losses, the local Highmark affiliate reported net income of $101 million on revenue of $3.1 billion in 2025.
In a statement Friday, Highmark said health insurance premiums reflect the rising cost of care for members, including hospital and physician services, prescription drugs and advancements in medical technology.