Is health insurance is more expensive if you get it through your employer?
Andrew Ramirez
Published Feb 24, 2026
Even if your employer offers you health insurance at work, chances are you’re shelling out more money for medical care. Last year, employers spent an average of $15,159 in premiums to cover a family of four, according to an analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation. In all, that’s an increase of 51% from a decade ago.
Do you have to pay for health insurance through your employer?
Generally, the employer will pay a part of the premium and the employee will pay a part. Employer plans usually offer a coverage option for the employee that costs the employee, for the employee’s premium alone, less than 9.5% of the employee’s family income.
How does an employer pay for health insurance?
Under a traditional health insurance plan, employers choose an insurance plan and collect premiums from employees who enroll. If employees do not receive health insurance through their work, they must independently obtain insurance through the individual health insurance marketplace.
Can a large employer reimburse employees for health insurance?
There are limits to which type of health insurance reimbursement programs applicable large employers can offer. Under a traditional health insurance plan, employers choose an insurance plan and collect premiums from employees who enroll.
Can a small employer offer health insurance to their employees?
This is an online Marketplace, similar to the one for individuals, where small employers can shop for insurance and offer health plans to their employees. Your small employer may also qualify for a tax credit if they pay a portion of the premium, which will make the insurance more affordable to you.
Where can I find health insurance for my employer?
If you work for an employer with 50 or fewer employees, your employer can offer you insurance through the Small Business Health Insurance Option Program (SHOP). This is an online Marketplace, similar to the one for individuals, where small employers can shop for insurance and offer health plans to their employees.
