UnitedHealthcare cites radiology costs in Maryland premium request

UnitedHealthcare is seeking an average 7.9% premium increase for some small-group health plans in Maryland.

The request was submitted to the Maryland Insurance Administration and would affect about 26,000 people enrolled in plans under UnitedHealthcare and 3 subsidiaries: Optum Choice, MAMSI Life and Health Insurance Company, and UnitedHealthcare Mid-Atlantic.

If approved, the mid-year increase would follow a 9.4% hike approved in October, bringing the average increase to 17.4% for the fiscal year.

Rising outpatient service costs were cited as part of the reason for the request. UnitedHealthcare actuary Daniel Akier told Maryland regulators that lab pathology, radiology, infusion, and radiation therapy were among the service categories driving higher costs.

MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society, has urged state regulators to reject the proposed increase, citing concerns about affordability, access to care, and strain on patients and physicians.

In a May 12 comment letter, MedChi said the Maryland Insurance Administration should consider the cumulative effect of the increases on affordability, care access, and the sustainability of the state’s physician workforce.

“Maryland families should not be forced to shoulder the burden of excessive premium increases while large insurance corporations continue reporting soaring profits,” MedChi President Eric Wargotz, MD, said in the society’s statement.

MedChi also pointed to UnitedHealthcare’s Q1 2026 financial performance. Healthcare Dive reported that UnitedHealthcare revenue rose 2% year over year to $86.3B, while operating income increased 8% to $5.7B.

The Maryland Insurance Administration will decide whether to approve the request. UnitedHealthcare’s Maryland notice page directs members to state resources for viewing proposed rate increases and submitting comments.