Washington Approves Nine Insurers to Sell 2027 Small-Business Health Plans, With an Average Approved Increase of 16.7 Percent
The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner said in an October 29, 2026 release that nine insurance companies have been approved to sell group health insurance to Washington small businesses for coverage in 2027. The nine insurers requested an average rate increase of 16.5 percent, and the office approved an average increase of 16.7 percent, based on an actuarial review of each company's financial projections.
All nine insurers also sold small-group health plans for 2026. The plans are available to businesses with fewer than 50 employees, which are not legally required to offer health benefits. "Despite the increase, it's a positive sign that these small business owners have so many options for providing insurance for their employees," Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer said. "Our state has a competitive market, though as a country we need a more large-scale solution to address healthcare costs." The office said most of the proposed increase is due to the rising basic cost of health care, and that the commissioner is required by law to approve increases insurers can prove are justified.
The approved changes vary widely by company. Regence BlueShield was approved for a 17.2 percent increase affecting 80,367 people, the largest group; Premera Blue Cross was approved for 20.3 percent affecting 55,711 people; UnitedHealthcare was approved for 21.6 percent affecting 12,061 people; and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington was approved for 6.9 percent affecting 13,017 people, among the mildest in the table.
National figures are no gentler. Citing KFF's annual health benefits survey, the office noted that the average annual premium cost borne by an individual employee is $1,672, up 15.8 percent from $1,408 last year; the employee share for family coverage averages $7,471, up 9 percent; and total annual premiums for family coverage, including the employer's share, now average $28,303, a 5 percent increase from 2025. Small employers renewing for 2027 can compare which of the nine insurers sell plans in their county before deciding. (Source: Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner)
Source: Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：位于 Olympia 的华盛顿州议会大厦航拍，州保险局长办公室在此核定小企业医保费率。Wikimedia Commons 图片（CC BY 4.0）。 / Photo: An aerial view of the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, where the state insurance commissioner's office approved small-business health plan rates. Image via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0).
