Workers’ Family Health Premium Contributions Rise 9%

Workers’ average contribution toward employer-sponsored family health insurance rose 9% in 2026 to $7,471, while the average total annual premium reached $28,303, according to KFF’s employer survey released October 22. The findings point to rising costs for both employees and employers, with workers at smaller firms paying substantially more toward family coverage than those at larger companies. Employees at firms with fewer than 200 workers contributed an average of $9,687 toward family coverage, compared with $6,840 at firms with 200 or more employees, KFF reported. Workers at smaller firms also faced higher average individual deductibles: $2,624, versus $1,772 at larger companies, according to the survey. Across employers, workers paid an average of 27% of family premiums and 18% of individual premiums, with employers covering the remainder. The survey found that 44% of large employers increased workers’ required contributions in response to premium increases. Employers also reported using measures such as higher deductibles, changing insurers, requiring preapproval for some services and narrowing provider choices to manage costs. The 9% increase in workers’ average family...