Idaho Health Insurance Premiums Will Rise in 2027
The Idaho Department of Insurance finalized rate adjustments that will take effect on January 1, 2027.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Insurance
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Health insurance premiums in Idaho will increase by an average of 12% across both individual and small group markets starting January 1, 2027. Despite these increases, the state will continue to offer a variety of coverage options through its marketplace.
Why it matters
The cost of healthcare coverage remains sensitive to medical claim expenses, which are partially offset by state-managed reinsurance programs. These programs are designed to stabilize the market for consumers while managing the volatility of high-cost medical treatments.
Premiums are set to rise 12% in the individual and small group markets, though the 1332 State Innovation Reinsurance Waiver is projected to reduce 2027 premiums by 16%.
The players
Idaho Department of Insurance
This state agency is responsible for the regulation of the insurance industry and the finalization of premium rates within Idaho.
The details
Consumers will have access to 143 medical plans and 22 dental plans via the state marketplace to compare coverage. The 1332 State Innovation Reinsurance Waiver remains a critical mechanism in the state, as it offsets the cost of high-expense medical claims to prevent even steeper price hikes.
Timeline
2025: Waiver reduced premiums by 20%.
2026: Waiver reduced premiums by 18%.
Oct 15, 2026 - Dec 15, 2026: Open enrollment period.
Jan 1, 2027: Coverage start date.
2027: New premium rates take effect.
Market Dynamics
The state's reliance on the 1332 State Innovation Reinsurance Waiver underscores a broader shift toward state-led efforts to manage insurance market volatility. This move follows years of consistent use of reinsurance mechanisms to counteract rising medical claim costs across the country.
Policyholders in the individual and small group markets should prepare for a 12% increase in their monthly premium costs beginning in 2027. Readers should utilize the state marketplace to review all 143 available medical plans to identify the most cost-effective coverage for their household.
The takeaway
While premium increases are inevitable due to rising medical expenses, the state reinsurance waiver continues to provide a significant discount against projected costs. Residents should prioritize early review of available plans during the upcoming open enrollment window to mitigate the impact of rate hikes.
What happens next
The open enrollment period for health insurance plans is scheduled to run from October 15, 2026, through December 15, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on coverage options and rate changes, visit Idaho Insurance.
More information
To view and compare available plans for the upcoming year, visit the state health insurance marketplace.
Live Poll
Do you feel that health insurance premiums are becoming unaffordable for your household budget?
