(From the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance)Today, the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) announced the release of final health insurance rates for Missouri’s 2027 individual and small group markets.
“As we head into a new plan year, I want to reassure Missourians that our state’s health insurance market remains structurally strong, and there are still many good options available when it comes to health coverage,” DCI Director Angela Nelson said. “We know Missouri families are struggling right now, and with rates increasing again this year, DCI is committed to supporting consumers and providing clear, accessible information and resources to help them make informed choices.”
For 2027, every county in Missouri will continue to have at least two carriers offering individual health insurance plans, with most counties offering four or more carriers and a variety of plan options from each. Carriers in the small group market (businesses with two to 50 employees) also continue to offer a range of choices for employers and their employees.
Consumers can find more information about the rate review process and review rate information on DCI’s website at insurance.mo.gov/health-insurance. To see which carriers are offering coverage in the individual market in your county, visit DCI’s online health insurance market map.
The department urges Missourians to take a close look at their 2027 coverage as rates increase and networks change for many plans.
“We know Missouri families and small business owners are facing significant economic pressures and limited household budgets,” Director Nelson said. “When everyday expenses rise, paying for health insurance can feel like an overwhelming burden – but foregoing coverage entirely leaves you vulnerable to devastating financial hardship if an unexpected illness, accident or medical emergency occurs tomorrow.”
“Having some level of coverage, even if it is just for catastrophic health events, is always better than having none at all,” Director Nelson added. “We strongly encourage all Missourians to shop the market, compare all available options, and identify the coverage structure that best protects their health and budget.”
Annual open enrollment for health insurance coverage in 2027 begins Nov. 1, 2026. For coverage to start Jan. 1, 2027, consumers must enroll or change their plan by Dec. 15, 2026. Consumers who miss the Dec. 15 deadline have until Jan. 15, 2027, to enroll, but coverage will not begin until Feb. 1, 2027.
Consumer Tips for Open Enrollment
DCI’s Health Insurance Shopping Tool is a valuable resource to help consumers compare plans and understand key terms and considerations. The department also recommends keeping the following in mind when shopping for a plan:
Compare total costs: Review and compare the costs associated with each health plan, including all out-of-pocket costs – premiums, deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance amounts – to determine the most cost-effective choice.
Understand your plan: Consider more than just cost when choosing a health plan. It’s important to understand what services the policy will cover, the costs you’ll be responsible for, and your current and potential future health care needs.
Review plan changes annually: Health insurance policies can change from year to year. Even if you remain with the same carrier, benefits premiums, covered medications and provider networks may change.
Confirm provider networks: With recent attention to in-network providers, always verify whether your preferred physicians, pediatricians, clinics and regional hospitals remain in a plan’s network. Talking with both your health care providers and insurance carrier can help you to stay up to date about current and future participation in a particular plan’s network.
Review the plan’s prescription drug formulary: If you routinely take medications, make sure you are reviewing the plan’s formulary to see if your prescribed medications are included – and at what level of coverage. If any of your medications are not on the formulary – or are on a tier with higher cost-sharing, now is the time to also talk to your physician about whether there are suitable generics or other alternatives that may be more affordable.
Explore Health Savings Accounts: A health savings account (HSA) is a personal, tax-advantaged savings account that you can use to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses, like deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, prescriptions, and other eligible health products. Under federal rules, all ACA Bronze and Catastrophic plans are HSA-compatible. Funds roll over from year to year, helping consumers build an emergency reserve and giving them more options to help cover their share of health care costs.
For more specific information about policies and coverage, talk with a trusted insurance agent or other assister (like a navigator or a certified application counselor). Free, unbiased assistance and education, including application assistance and plan comparisons, is available to all consumers seeking health coverage.
The Cover Missouri Coalition, a project of the Missouri Foundation for Health, is a network of partners – including Certified Application Counselors and Navigators – who assist individuals seeking coverage through the Marketplace and Medicaid. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has awarded Navigator grants to the Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging (MA4) and the Missouri Primary Care Association for statewide assistance in 2027.
You can find free assistance in your area by visiting FindLocalHelp.CoverMissouri.org or calling 1-800-466-3213.
Clarification on Marketplace Oversight and Network Negotiations
In light of recent public concern and confusion regarding Children’s Mercy Hospital’s network status, the department reminds Missourians of the legal framework governing health insurance regulation:State vs. federal regulatory authority: Not all health plans fall under DCI’s jurisdiction. DCI has jurisdiction over “fully insured” health plans only. If “fully insured” or “fully funded” is printed on your health insurance card, this means it falls under the department’s authority. Missouri law does not grant DCI statutory authority to review, approve, or enforce network adequacy standards for individual health plans sold on the ACA Marketplace. Network adequacy standards for Marketplace plans are enforced at the federal level.
State network authority: State law limits DCI’s network adequacy authority strictly to Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). HMO plans currently insure fewer than 14,000 individuals statewide, and no HMO plans are offered on Missouri’s individual ACA marketplace.
Private contract negotiations: DCI has no legal authority to arbitrate or intervene in private contract negotiations between health care systems and insurance companies.
Missourians with questions about health coverage, policy terms or disputes, or any other insurance topics call DCI’s Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390 or visit insurance.mo.gov/consumers/.
DCI is charged with protecting Missouri consumers through oversight of the insurance industry, banks, credit unions, utilities and various professional licensees operating in the state. For more information about the department, please visit our website at dci.mo.gov.
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