Insurance
Employer health premiums rise 5%, while workers’ family contributions rise 9%
KFF found the average family premium reached $28,303 in 2026, while workers paid an average $7,471 toward it, up 9%.
Employer-sponsored family health premiums rose 5% in 2026 to an average $28,303, according to KFF’s annual survey of employers. Workers’ average contribution toward family coverage climbed 9% to $7,471 annually. KFF Health News reported that 44% of large employers, those with at least 200 employees, increased what workers paid toward coverage.
Employees at smaller firms face higher costs. The Hill reported that workers at firms with fewer than 200 employees contributed an average $9,687 annually toward family coverage, $2,847 more than workers at larger firms. Employers also reported raising deductibles, changing insurers, requiring preapproval for some services, or narrowing provider choices to manage costs. Reports cited higher hospital prices and increased use of services and prescription drugs as cost drivers.
Reporting on this story
- The Hill Workers hit hard by rising employer health insurance costs (opens in a new tab)
- KFF Health News Job-Based Health Plan Costs Rise, With Little Relief in Sight (opens in a new tab)
- NPR High health costs squeeze workers, even if you have good insurance through a job (opens in a new tab)
- Fierce Healthcare KFF: Employer family premiums up 5% to $28K in 2026 (opens in a new tab)
