Workers are paying more for family health coverage through their jobs this year, according to STAT and KFF's annual survey of employers.

Workers now pay $7,471 a year on average toward family premiums, KFF said. That is up 9%, or $621, from 2025, KFF and STAT reported.

Total family premiums, including what employers pay, rose 5% to $28,303, KFF said. Over the same time, wages rose 3.7% and inflation rose 2.7%, according to KFF. It said inflation has been higher in recent months.

Workers at small firms were hit hardest, STAT and KFF reported. At firms with fewer than 200 workers, people paid $9,687 a year on average toward family coverage, KFF said. That is $2,847 more than workers at larger firms.

Premiums are rising mostly because health care costs more overall, STAT reported. So far, employers have paid for most of the increase, STAT said. But small businesses are pulling back from offering coverage, it reported. Experts say employers are reaching a "breaking point," STAT said.

Many large firms said they passed costs on to workers, KFF reported. Of firms with 200 or more workers, 44% raised the share of premiums workers pay, KFF said. And 21% raised deductibles or other costs for most services.

"We have been hearing a lot about Affordable Care Act and Medicaid cuts. Now add a 9% increase in what workers with employer coverage paid toward family premiums in 2026 to the reasons voters are so concerned about their health care costs," said Drew Altman, KFF's president and chief executive, in a statement.

Almost 157 million Americans under age 65 get health coverage through work, KFF said. Its survey covered more than 1,900 employers with at least 10 workers.

Premiums could rise even more next year, STAT reported.

What we know: Workers pay 9% more toward family premiums this year, KFF found.
What we don't: How much premiums will rise in 2027.