Updated with filings as of July 31, 2026
Missouri small group health insurance rate changes for 2027
What each carrier selling ACA small group plans in Missouri asked for next year, how that compares with 2026, and what to do before your renewal lands.
The headline
All four carriers that filed 2027 small group rates in Missouri asked for double-digit average increases, from 12.61% at Medica to 17.23% at UnitedHealthcare. Ranges within each carrier run wider. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City's filing goes from 10.61% on its lowest plan to 27.6% on its highest.
The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance noted that all 2027 small group plans are sold off the exchange, and that final rates will be posted by October 31, 2026.
- UnitedHealthcare +17.23%Range across plans: +10.94% to +19.43%
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City +15.58%Range across plans: +10.61% to +27.6%
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield +14.56%Range across plans: +9.41% to +17.36%
- Medica +12.61%Range across plans: +8.87% to +13.25%
Source: Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, 2027 proposed rate filings as of July 31, 2026. Proposed averages, not final rates and not a quote for your group. Final rates post by October 31, 2026.
Proposed 2027 averages by carrier
| Carrier | Average change | Lowest plan | Highest plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | +17.23% | +10.94% | +19.43% |
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City | +15.58% | +10.61% | +27.6% |
| Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield | +14.56% | +9.41% | +17.36% |
| Medica | +12.61% | +8.87% | +13.25% |
Source: Missouri DCI, Missouri 2027 Single Risk Pool Proposed Rate Filings as of 7/31/2026. Proposed, not approved. Averages are not weighted across carriers and are not a quote for any group.
Final 2026 changes for comparison
| Carrier | Final 2026 average change |
|---|---|
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City | +19.12% |
| UnitedHealthcare | +12.86% |
| National Health Insurance Co. (Allstate Benefits) | +11.48% |
| Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield | +9.81% |
| Medica | New filing, no prior-year change |
Source: Missouri DCI, Missouri 2026 Single Risk Pool Final Rates as of 10/31/2025.
What changed in the market
- One fewer carrier. Allstate Benefits (National Health Insurance Company) sold small group plans in 2026 but did not file for 2027. Groups on those plans need a new home.
- Back-to-back increases. Blue KC follows a 19.12 percent 2026 average with a proposed 15.58 percent for 2027. UnitedHealthcare goes from 12.86 percent to a proposed 17.23 percent.
- Regional differences. Blue KC and Anthem are both Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies with separate territories. Blue KC covers the Kansas City area and northwest Missouri, and Anthem covers most of the rest of the state, so the Blue option you see depends on your county.
How to read your own renewal
Your renewal letter shows one number: what your current plan will cost next year. It does not show what the carrier's other plans cost, what competing carriers would charge, or whether a level-funded plan would beat both. A few steps help:
- Compare your increase to your carrier's average above. If yours is near the top of the range, that plan is being repriced hard.
- Remember that part of any ACA small group increase comes from employees moving up an age band.
- Ask for the carrier's alternate plans at renewal. A nearby plan design can cost noticeably less.
- Get competing quotes 45 to 60 days before your renewal date so you have time to switch.
We do this comparison for Missouri employers at no cost. Send us your renewal or call 816-555-0100.
Where the filings live
Carrier filings, actuarial memos and the state's summaries are posted on the DCI health insurance rate filings page. The department's July 31, 2026 announcement covers both the individual and small group markets.
FAQ
Rate change questions
Are these the final 2027 rates?
No. These are the proposed averages Missouri carriers filed, as published by the Department of Commerce and Insurance on July 31, 2026. The department said final rates would be posted no later than October 31, 2026. We will update this page when they are.
Will my renewal match these numbers?
Probably not exactly. Each figure is an average across a carrier's small group plans. Your renewal also reflects your specific plan, your rating area, and your employees getting a year older. Some plans are slated to rise well above the carrier average.
Why are Missouri small group rates rising so fast?
Carriers generally point to rising medical and prescription drug costs, including specialty drugs, along with hospital pricing. Each carrier's filing gives its own reasons. The filings are public on the Missouri DCI website.
What can I do about a big increase?
Compare. Ask for alternate plans from your current carrier, quote the other carriers in your area, and price a level-funded option if your group is healthy. We do all three at no cost to you.
Got a 2027 renewal with a double-digit increase?
Send it over. We will compare it against every Missouri carrier writing plans in your area and tell you honestly whether moving is worth it.