HealthCare.gov premiums rise again in 2027. What it means for your plan.
KFF estimates that average premiums on HealthCare.gov will rise about 13% for 2027, as reported by The Hill on October 31, 2026. It is the second straight year of double-digit increases, and open enrollment starts November 1. If you offer group health coverage, the increase still lands on your desk, because your employees compare it with what you offer.
This page puts the marketplace numbers next to Michigan’s small-group numbers, explains where they touch an employer plan, and lists what to check before your own renewal. Send us your renewal and we will give you a second opinion in writing.
Four figures to keep side by side.
Individual-market and employer rates are set in separate pools and follow different rules. The comparison is useful, but the figures are not interchangeable.
About 13% average increase
KFF’s estimate for 2027, based on pricing data for the federal-marketplace states, as reported by The Hill. KFF’s earlier look at insurer filings showed a median proposed increase of 15%. Read more
About 14.5% average increase
ACASignups’ calculation from final 2027 filings. The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) shows slightly lower weighted averages. About 497,000 Michigan residents get coverage through HealthCare.gov. Read more
9.6% approved average
DIFS approved each carrier’s 2027 small-group request as filed, from 7.0% to 14.8% by carrier. See the carrier-by-carrier table. Read more
About 10% expected
The Hill reports that employer plans are expected to rise roughly 10%, below the marketplace increase. Your own figure depends on your claims, your size and your carrier. Read more
Six places a marketplace increase touches an employer plan.
Employees who decline your coverage
Anyone who waives your plan and shops the marketplace now faces higher prices, and the enhanced federal subsidies that held those prices down ended with 2025. Expect more questions from waiving employees during your open enrollment. Our guide to the expired subsidies explains the effect on employer plans. Read more
Individual coverage HRA allowances
If you reimburse employees for individual-market premiums under the rules at 26 CFR §54.9802-4, a fixed monthly allowance buys less when premiums rise. The allowance is set by you, by class of employee, so it needs a fresh look against 2027 prices before you announce it. How HRAs fit under ERISA. Read more
The ACA affordability test is unchanged
For an applicable large employer, affordability is measured on what the employee pays for your lowest-cost self-only plan, not on marketplace prices. An employee offered affordable, minimum-value coverage is generally not eligible for a premium tax credit (IRC §36B(c)(2)(C); employer affordability rules at 26 CFR §54.4980H-5(e)). What Form 1095-C reports. Read more
Part-time and variable-hour employees
People who are not offered your plan often end up on the marketplace. Higher premiums can push them to ask about hours, eligibility and waiting periods. Know your eligibility rules before the questions arrive. Health insurance for employees. Read more
COBRA and early retirees
A former employee comparing COBRA, which can cost up to 102% of the full premium (ERISA §602(3), 29 U.S.C. §1162(3)), with a marketplace plan now has a different comparison than a year ago. See what COBRA actually costs. Read more
Recruiting and retention
Candidates and employees know that individual coverage is getting more expensive. A competitive group plan with a fair contribution is easier to defend now than it was last year. Our benefits strategy work. Read more
Five checks before your own renewal arrives.
Get your renewal early
Ask your carrier for the renewal as soon as it is available, and compare it with the 9.6% statewide small-group average and with the 7.0% to 14.8% carrier range. Your number can sit anywhere around them. See the 2027 carrier table. Read more
Check your waiver rate
Count how many eligible employees declined coverage this year and why. If cost was the reason, your contribution strategy is part of the answer. Read more
Review any HRA allowance
If you use an individual coverage HRA, compare the allowance with 2027 premiums for your employees’ ages and counties. HRA rules for employers. Read more
Prepare your employee message
Employees will hear about the marketplace increase in the news. A short note that explains how your plan is priced, and what you pay toward it, answers questions before they are asked. Read more
Market the plan, not just the renewal
A competitive read of your renewal against other carriers and funding options is the fastest way to know whether your increase is fair. That is the review we do for free. Send us your renewal. Read more
Eight questions employers are asking about 2027 marketplace premiums.
How much are HealthCare.gov premiums rising in 2027?
KFF estimates that average premiums on HealthCare.gov will rise about 13% for 2027, as reported by The Hill on October 31, 2026. Earlier, KFF’s review of insurer filings found a median proposed increase of 15%. Your own price depends on the plan, county, age and subsidy. Read more
Does the marketplace increase raise my employer renewal?
Not directly. Individual-market and group rates are priced in separate pools. Michigan’s approved 2027 small-group average is 9.6%, and The Hill reports that employer plans are expected to rise roughly 10%. Your own renewal depends on your group’s claims, size and carrier. See the Michigan small-group rates. Read more
When is open enrollment for 2027 marketplace coverage in Michigan?
DIFS says open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1, 2027. Enrolling from December 16 through January 15 starts coverage February 1, 2027. Read more
Why are marketplace premiums rising?
KFF points to rising health care prices as the main driver, along with general inflation and labor costs. The expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits at the end of 2025 also changed who buys coverage, and insurers cite a sicker average pool as a result. Read more
Should I tell employees to buy coverage on HealthCare.gov instead of joining my plan?
That is a decision to model before you make it. Employees offered affordable, minimum-value coverage are generally not eligible for premium tax credits, and for employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees the ACA employer mandate applies. Talk to your broker and your tax adviser first. We are not lawyers or tax advisers. Read more
What is an individual coverage HRA and is it affected?
An individual coverage HRA lets an employer reimburse employees for individual-market premiums. Because the reimbursement is set by the employer, higher marketplace premiums mean a fixed allowance covers less of the cost. It is worth re-checking before you announce 2027 allowances. HRA rules for employers. Read more
Where can employees get help enrolling on the marketplace?
DIFS directs consumers to start at HealthCare.gov, where federally trained navigators and certified application counselors offer free help. DIFS also warns about look-alike sites that sell limited plans. CFH advises employers on group plans and does not enroll individuals on the marketplace. Read more
What should I send CFH to review my renewal?
Four documents: the renewal letter, the plan summary, the contribution split by tier, and the enrolled counts by tier. We come back with a competitive read and the questions we would put to your carrier. Read more
Where these figures and rules come from.
KFF and The Hill
KFF, How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2027 (median proposed increase 15%). The 13% HealthCare.gov estimate and the roughly 10% employer-plan figure are as reported by The Hill, October 31, 2026.
DIFS and ACASignups
DIFS, Open enrollment is coming, October 26, 2026 (dates and HealthCare.gov enrollment). Individual-market average from ACASignups, calculated from final filings.
Federal rules referenced on this page
Premium tax credit eligibility and the affordable, minimum-value offer: Internal Revenue Code §36B(c)(2)(C). Employer shared-responsibility payment and the 50 full-time-equivalent threshold: IRC §4980H. Affordability measurement for employers: 26 CFR §54.4980H-5(e). Individual coverage HRAs: 26 CFR §54.9802-4. COBRA premium limit of 102%: ERISA §602(3), 29 U.S.C. §1162(3), and IRC §4980B(f)(2)(C). This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Send us your renewal.
Four documents — the renewal letter, the plan summary, the contribution split by tier and enrolled counts by tier. We’ll come back with a competitive read, where we see opportunity, and the five questions we’d put to your carrier.
An independent employee benefits consulting firm. We look at the entire benefits program — cost, plan performance, risk and administration.
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