US workers pay 9% more for employer family health coverage

Workers with job-based family coverage paid 9% more in 2026, averaging $7,471 a year toward their premiums.

The findings come from KFF’s annual survey of employer health benefits in the United States.

Nearly 157 million Americans under retirement age get health coverage through an employer.

Workers at small firms paid $9,687 on average, compared with $6,840 at firms with 200 or more workers.

Employees at smaller businesses also paid a larger share of family premiums, and some businesses are cutting other costs to keep coverage affordable.

Rising premiums add pressure to household budgets as healthcare costs climb alongside other everyday expenses.

Healthcare affordability is a major concern for voters in the midterm elections.

The survey shows costs rising, but it does not specify what changes employers or policymakers will make next.