Missouri Releases Preliminary 2027 Health Insurance Rates

JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance has released preliminary information about health insurance plans and premiums for the state's 2027 individual and small group markets.

The individual market includes plans for people who do not receive health insurance through an employer. The small group market serves businesses with two to 50 employees.

The department is reviewing insurance company filings to determine whether proposed rate changes are justified and whether plans comply with state and federal regulations. Public comments will be accepted through Aug. 31.

Final rates are expected to be posted no later than Oct. 31.

"While our review process is ongoing and final rates are subject to change, we encourage Missourians to start exploring their options now," DCI Director Angela Nelson said. "Even as we continue to navigate federal uncertainty and a broader return to pre-COVID market conditions, Missouri's market remains strong, ensuring Missourians continue to have meaningful choices for their health coverage."

An initial review of the filings indicates at least two insurers will offer individual plans both on and off the federal exchange in every Missouri county. Eight companies are expected to continue offering individual coverage in the state.

Four insurance companies are expected to offer small group plans outside the exchange in 2027.

DCI officials said the department's rate review process is intended to protect consumers by ensuring proposed changes are supported by Missouri-specific data before they take effect.

Federal medical loss ratio rules provide an additional safeguard by requiring insurers to spend most premium revenue on medical care or efforts to improve health care quality. Insurers must rebate excess funds to consumers when spending requirements are not met.

Under Missouri law, rates must be filed with DCI for all health insurance products sold in the state. The preliminary information released by the department applies only to Affordable Care Act-compliant major medical plans with effective dates beginning Jan. 1, 2027, or later.

Rates for other health insurance products also will be posted on the department's website as they are filed and reviewed.

"With changing rates and plan structures, it is more important than ever for consumers to look closely at their health needs and preliminary coverage options," Nelson said. "We encourage Missourians to review the initial filings on our website and take this opportunity to share their feedback before rates are finalized for 2027."

Consumers may review proposed rates, submit comments and find additional information through DCI's health rate filings webpage.

Missourians with insurance questions may call the department's Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390 or visit insurance.mo.gov/consumers.