Get Ready To Pay More For Healthcare in New York State

As we move out of summer and into the cooler weather of fall in the Empire State, people all over New York are getting ready for a chance. The change you may be thinking of isn't necessarily the weather changes that come from the new seasons, but another round of cost increases that New York residents will need to bear.

It was just a few weeks ago that we learned that electric rates across the state are going up, along with the regions seeing the largest rates of inflation in the last three years. Now we're learning it's going to cost quite a bit more to stay healthy in 2026.

New York State Health Insurance Rates Going Up

According to the Buffalo News, many people across New York need to get ready for a more than 10% increase in their health insurance rates.

Excellus Health Plan, Highmark Western and Northeastern New York, and Independent Health all requested that the New York State Department of Financial Services approve massive rate increases for 2026.

The Buffalo News breaks down what each insurer wants to charge customers next year, with the requested average increases ranging from 20% to more than 38%.

After review, the state Department of Financial Services approved rates to increase between an average of 7% and 13%.

Now that we know what it's going to cost us to stay healthy next year, the next thing will be for New Yorkers to find some extra money to be able to cover these costs. While inflation continues to increase, wages are not increasing to keep pace.

At this rate, the middle class will disappear quicker than a tub of blue cheese when a double order of wings comes up.