2027 small group rate increases by carrier
Carriers have filed their 2027 small group rate increases, and most of the requests we track run into double digits. Here is what each carrier asked for, where the numbers come from and what they mean for your renewal.
Small group rate increases we track for 2027
Each number below is a carrier's requested average change for its 2027 small group plans in that state. Ranges show the spread across that carrier's plans.
Kansas
| Carrier | Avg. change | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City | +13.39% | 8.52% to 22.81% |
| UnitedHealthcare | +11.47% | 6.43% to 15.27% |
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas | +9.61% | 5.52% to 11.92% |
Requested by carriers, not yet final. As of September 20, 2026. Source: CMS Rate Review, Kansas small group, plan year 2027.
Missouri
| Carrier | Avg. change | Range |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | +17.23% | 10.94% to 19.43% |
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City | +15.58% | 10.61% to 27.6% |
| Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield | +14.56% | 9.41% to 17.36% |
| Medica | +12.61% | 8.87% to 13.25% |
Proposed, finals due October 31, 2026. As of July 31, 2026. Source: Missouri DCI, 2027 proposed rate filings.
See the Kansas market. See the Missouri market.
Why rates keep climbing
Carriers justify increases with what they expect to pay in claims. Common reasons in recent filings include higher hospital and provider prices, rising use of costly specialty drugs, including GLP-1 drugs, and more people using care overall.
How rate filings work
Every carrier that sells ACA small group plans files its proposed rates for the coming year with state regulators, and in many states with the federal government through CMS Rate Review. The filing includes an average change across the carrier's book, a range across its plans and a written justification. Regulators review the request and can approve it, trim it or send it back.
Timing varies. Missouri's Department of Commerce and Insurance posts proposed rates in summer and final rates by October 31. Kansas filings appear on the federal rate review site, where we pulled the 2027 requests on September 20, 2026. We note the status and date beside every figure on this page.
Kansas and Missouri side by side
Missouri's requests run higher. UnitedHealthcare asked for 17.23% there, the largest average request we track, while the highest Kansas request was Blue KC at 13.39%. Blue KC filed in both states and asked for more in Missouri. The Kansas market page and the Missouri market page explain which carriers sell where.
What to watch after final rates post
Final rates can land below the request. Regulators sometimes trim an increase after reviewing the carrier's claims assumptions, and a carrier can withdraw a plan entirely. When finals post, compare three things: the final average for your carrier, the change for your specific plan and whether your plan is being discontinued and mapped to a new one. A discontinued plan is the most common source of surprise at renewal, because the replacement often carries a higher deductible or a narrower network.
We update this page when final numbers post for each state we track.
What a filed average means for you
A filed average blends every plan and every group a carrier insures in the state. Your renewal can come in higher or lower:
- Each employee's rate rises as they age into a new age band.
- Plans in the same carrier's lineup can move by very different amounts, as the ranges show.
- Regulators can approve, trim or reject requested increases.
What to do before you renew
- Start 60 to 90 days before your renewal date.
- Compare your renewal against every carrier selling in your area, not just your current one.
- Price alternatives: a level-funded plan or an ICHRA.
- Look at plan design and contribution changes that soften the increase, such as a second small group plan with a lower premium.
Our renewal checklist walks through each step.
Compare your options
Tell us about your group. A licensed agent compares the carriers in your area and follows up with options.
Common questions
Something else? Ask a licensed agent.
Are these the rates I will pay?
No. These are average changes carriers requested across their whole small group business in a state. Your own renewal depends on your plan, your team's ages and your location, and regulators can change the final numbers.
Where do these numbers come from?
Carriers file small group rate changes with state regulators and, for many states, with CMS. We pull the averages from those public filings and note the date and status of each.
When will final 2027 rates be set?
Timing varies by state. Missouri's Department of Commerce and Insurance posts final small group rates by October 31, 2026. We update this page as finals post.
Will you add my state?
Yes, we are adding states over time. In the meantime, request a quote and we will tell you what carriers in your state are doing.
Beat your 2027 renewal
Send us your renewal or tell us about your team. We will compare every carrier in your area and the alternatives to a traditional plan.
- Free, with no obligation to buy
- Small group, level-funded and ICHRA compared
- A licensed agent handles your request