For 2026, Kansas is witnessing one of the most dramatic divides in health insurance rate changes across the nation.
- Celtic Insurance Co. is proposing a staggering 40% rate hike, one of the highest in the country
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is asking for a 6.1% decrease, one of the few insurers nationwide to lower premiums
This stark contrast raises a critical question: How can two insurers in the same state propose such opposite changes?
Why the 40% Increase?
Celtic’s proposed hike is driven by several key factors.
- Rising healthcare costs, including inflation and higher drug prices
- Labor shortages in the medical field
- The expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits at the end of 2025
Without these credits, healthier individuals may drop coverage, leaving insurers with a smaller, sicker risk pool. This imbalance forces companies like Celtic to raise premiums significantly to cover anticipated costs.
Why the 6.1% Decrease?
Blue Cross is taking a different approach.
- Focused provider network: Limits the number of doctors and hospitals in network to reduce costs
- Tailored care models: Programs like Spira Care Access emphasize affordable primary care
- Strategic enrollment goals: Lower premiums attract healthier enrollees, helping balance the risk pool
By controlling costs and expanding their customer base, Blue Cross aims to offer savings despite industry-wide pressures.
How Kansas Compares to Neighboring States
- Missouri: Similar pattern — Medica proposes a 29.2% increase while Blue Cross seeks a 4.4% decrease
- Texas: Average proposed increase of 24%, placing it in the middle range nationally
- California: Around an 18% increase, benefiting from a large, competitive marketplace
Nationally, the median proposed increase is 18%, double last year’s rate. Kansas and Missouri stand out for their extreme swings between insurers, while states like Rhode Island and Connecticut see smaller increases due to strong regulation and market stability.
What This Means for Policyholders
Kansas residents, this will affect you directly.A 40% increase could make coverage unaffordable for some, leading to fewer people in the risk pool and even higher costs over time. Lower premiums from Blue Cross may come with tradeoffs, such as a more limited provider network or less flexibility in care options. Open enrollment will be crucial. Comparing plans in detail will be more important than ever.
What You Can Do
This is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Your experience depends on your plan, provider network, and budget.
- Review your options carefully during open enrollment
- Compare plans side by side, focusing on out-of-pocket costs and network access
- Consider whether saving money is worth switching doctors or accepting fewer choices
Also, watch Congress. If the enhanced premium tax credits are not extended, similar premium spikes could spread across the country.
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