Idaho Health Insurance Premiums Will Rise 12% in 2027
Residents purchasing individual or small group plans will see average premium increases starting January 1.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Insurance
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The Idaho Department of Insurance has finalized 2027 health insurance premium rates, reflecting an average 12% increase across individual and small group markets. These new rates take effect on January 1, 2027, impacting households and small businesses purchasing coverage through the state.
Why it matters
While the 1332 State Innovation Reinsurance Waiver is projected to provide a 16% reduction in 2027 premiums, costs are still trending upward. This adjustment reflects the broader market environment for health coverage as consumers prepare for the upcoming coverage cycle.
Premiums are set to increase by 12% on average in both the individual and small group markets. This follows a 20% reduction from the waiver in 2025 and an 18% reduction in 2026.
The players
Idaho Department of Insurance
The state regulator responsible for overseeing insurance markets and approving premium rates for consumers.
Your Health Idaho
The state health insurance marketplace where residents shop for and compare medical and dental coverage options.
The details
The 1332 State Innovation Reinsurance Waiver functions by offsetting the cost of high-expense medical claims, which helps mitigate the total price consumers pay. When this waiver is applied, it provides a 16% reduction to the base 2027 premiums. Residents can choose from 143 medical plans and 22 dental plans via the state marketplace to compare available coverage options.
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.
Money Landscape
This premium adjustment follows the trajectory set by the state's reinsurance program, which has provided consistent cost-reduction offsets since 2025. It highlights the role of policy-based mitigation in the ongoing cycle of healthcare affordability.
Households should prepare for a 12% increase when reviewing their health insurance budgets for the upcoming year. It is advisable to consult a qualified financial or tax professional to assess how these rate changes affect your total household insurance spending.
The takeaway
While premium increases are projected for 2027, the state's reinsurance waiver remains a key tool for tempering costs. Use the upcoming open enrollment window from October 15, 2026, to December 15, 2026, to compare the 143 available medical plans for your budget.
Further reading
For more on managing your coverage costs, visit the Insurance section.
More information
To review available medical and dental 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?
