Washington Approves Small Group Health Rate Hikes
The state's insurance commissioner signed off on increases of 6.9% to 21.6% for nine insurers offering small business health plans.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Healthcare
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Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner approved rate increases of 6.9% to 21.6% for nine small group health insurers. All nine sold small group health plans for 2026 and are planning to raise rates.
Why it matters
Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, which are not legally required to offer health benefits, will face higher premiums when the increases take effect. The approved increases were based on actuarial reviews of each insurer's financial projections and mostly reflect rising basic healthcare costs.
The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner approved increases ranging from 6.9% to 21.6% for nine insurers, based on actuarial reviews of their financial projections. The extraction does not show how many small businesses hold these plans or the dollar impact on individual premiums.
The players
Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner
The state agency that reviewed insurer financial projections and approved the small group health plan rate increases.
The details
Nine insurers are approved to offer small group health plans to businesses with fewer than 50 employees in the coming year. Five of the approved insurers will offer plans in Benton and Franklin counties.
Timeline
2026: All nine insurers sold small group health plans for that year.
New year (2027): Approved rate increases take effect for small business plans.
Market Landscape
The approvals follow the actuarial review process state commissioners use to set small group premiums, with rate increases mostly reflecting higher basic healthcare costs. Small businesses now have up to nine insurers to choose from for the new year.
Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees that offer health coverage will see premiums rise by 6.9% to 21.6% from insurers approved in the new year. Businesses can compare the nine approved insurers before choosing a plan.
The takeaway
Small business owners weighing health coverage should compare the approved rate increases across insurers before renewing or switching plans. Checking which insurers serve their county, such as Benton or Franklin, can narrow the options.
Further reading
Explore more Healthcare coverage for context on small group insurance pricing in Washington.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business.
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