Connecticut health insurers have proposed steep increases for 2026, with average rate hikes of 17.8% for individual plans and 13.1% for small group plans — both considerably higher than the previous year.

These proposals affect roughly 224,000 residents and are attributed by insurers to surging healthcare costs, more expensive prescription drugs and greater demand for services.

In response, Attorney General William Tong criticized the increases as unaffordable and pledged to closely scrutinize the insurers’ justifications, demanding more transparency and accountability in their rate requests.

A public hearing was scheduled for Monday to allow public input, with state officials aiming to ensure the increases are not excessive or unfair.