NC Department of Insurance Press Release
Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the approved insurance rates for the 2026 Affordable Care Act.
For those in North Carolina that have individual ACA coverage, the average rate will increase by nearly 28.6% in 2026. The increases for individual insurance policies range from 16.88% to 36.4%. The increases for small group policies range from 12.66% to 17.5%
Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey created a broadcast quality video including drone footage after visiting Buxton in the Outer Banks to bring greater awareness to the growing crisis of coastal erosion and home loss along the shoreline.
In the past five years, 22 oceanfront homes have fallen into the Atlantic Ocean — 12 in just the last month.
Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey will present the Commissioner’s Award to the Matthews Fire and EMS and address the Charlotte Rotary Club during Mecklenburg County visit on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
Here is Commissioner Causey’s public schedule for the day:
9:30 a.m. – Award presentation
Matthews Fire & EMS
3017 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Matthews, N.C. 28105
Noon – Charlotte Rotary Club
Fairfield Inn Uptown Charlotte (Second Floor, Main Ballroom)
201 S. McDowell St., Charlotte, N.C. 28204
Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey will present the Department’s top award to a longtime insurance agent during a visit to Durham on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
George Stevens, owner of George Stevens Insurance Agency Inc. in Durham, will receive the Order of the Guardian Award, the Department of Insurance’s highest honor, from Commissioner Causey.
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today issued the following statement on oceanfront homes after a visit to Buxton on Monday, October 20, 2025:
"It was my honor to meet with the residents of Buxton and Dare County today. It was an eye opener and shock to see first-hand the number of homes that have collapsed into the ocean, and the ones on the brink of collapse.
"This is an urgent crisis and should be concerning to every resident of North Carolina, due to the economic impact it has to our state, especially the Outer Banks.
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey will attend the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division Blood Drive at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21.
Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey reminds Medicare beneficiaries that it’s time to compare and evaluate their current plans and make necessary changes during the annual Open Enrollment Period.
“Medicare plans change from year to year and so do your healthcare needs,” Commissioner Causey said. “A plan that has worked for you this year may not be the best choice for 2026. I encourage you to contact a Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselor during this year’s Open Enrollment Period so you can get expert advice for meeting your healthcare needs for next year.”
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey will present the Century Award to the Elon Fire Department on Saturday night.
The Century Award may be awarded to an insurance-related business or industry, fire department or educational institute with at least 100 years of service.
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey will visit the N.C. State Fair for two events on Friday, Oct. 17.
Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey will present the Department’s top award to a longtime insurance agent and community servant during a visit to Wilmington on Thursday, Oct. 16. Following the presentation, Commissioner Causey will stop by a Wilmington fire station.
David Ward, the owner of David Ward State Farm Agency, will receive the Order of the Guardian Award from Commissioner Causey.