- The refunds are expected to average $141 per participant in plans through the marketplace, $155 for those in plans through small employers and $78 for enrollees in large-group plans.
- The aggregate total being refunded — $1 billion — is down from $2 billion issued in 2021 and a record $2.5 billion in 2020.
- The reason these rebates go out each year is related to a requirement that insurers spend at least 80% of premiums on health-care costs and reimburse policy holders for the difference if they do not meet that threshold.
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Depending on how you get your health-care coverage, you may soon get a rebate from your insurer.
An estimated 8.2 million policyholders are expected to receive a piece of $1 billion in rebates by Sept. 30 from various insurers, according to an estimate from the Kaiser Family Foundation.
The refunds generally work out to an average of about $141 per participant in plans through the public marketplace, $155 for those in plans through a small employer and $78 for enrollees in large-group plans (excluding those at companies that self-insure).
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However, the rebate amount can vary widely, depending on your location and insurer.
The aggregate total of $1 billion in refunds is down from $2 billion issued in 2021 and a record $2.5 billion in 2020.
"In the last couple of years we've seen some really large rebates — twice the size of this year's amount," said Cynthia Cox, a vice president at the foundation and director of its Affordable Care Act program. "But I'd say $1 billion is still significant."
Insurers typically either send a check to policyholders or deduct the rebate from premiums (and send a check to individuals no longer enrolled but owed some money). Be aware that if you are in a group plan, your employer may split the rebate with you, Cox said.
