Health insurance premium costs in Missouri expected to rise drastically next year
Nia Hinson
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Health care will likely cost you more in 2026, as open enrollment for health insurance is just around the corner.
Open enrollment refers to the time of year when people are able to sign up for health care insurance, change their current plans, or cancel their plan all together. However, people may be hit with higher costs when it comes to signing up this year across the country, including in Missouri.
According to Health System Tracker, some insurance companies are attributing tariffs that are driving up the costs of medical equipment, some drugs and supplies. Enhanced premium taxes that make coverage more affordable will also expire at the end of the year, increasing out-of-pocket payments for people by an average of 75%.
The costs will hit Missourians especially hard.
According to data from the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, several individual insurance companies in the state plan to increase their premiums by a sizable amount. Some companies worth noting include:
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield: On average premiums, are expected to rise 22.67%. The maximum percentage of change is expected to be 46.20%, while at the minimum, people will see a 20.98% change. In 2025, people on average paid $619.32, while that is expected to jump to $783.84 come next year.
United Health Care: On average premiums, are expected to rise 14.86%. The maximum percentage of change is expected to be 19.2%, while at the minimum, people will see a 9.33% change. In 2025, people on average paid $675.81, while that is expected to jump to $757.49 come next year.
Cox Health Plans: On average premiums, are expected to rise 30.40%. The maximum percentage of change is expected to be 38.10%, while at the minimum, people will see a 23.18% change. In 2025, people on average paid $663.36 while that is expected to jump to $841.07 come next year.
You can read a full breakdown of projected insurance costs below.
Missouri Insurance PremiumsDownload
Medicare plans are also expected to increase.