Evaluate ICHRA and health insurance options with market snapshot tool

December 3, 2025

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When considering an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) for your company, one critical question stands above all others: Will the individual health insurance options available in your employees’ areas actually provide quality coverage at competitive prices?

The answer varies dramatically depending on location. According to our analysis of market data, premiums can range from individual plans being 42% cheaper to 123% more expensive than small group plans. That’s why Take Command created the Market Snapshot Tool: to give employers and benefits consultants instant, location-specific insights into ACA-compliant health plans available in any U.S. state.

Why employers need location-specific ICHRA data

The ICHRA market has reached an inflection point that makes accurate, location-specific data more critical than ever.

ICHRA adoption has grown significantly since its launch in 2020.(1) Applicable Large Employers (ALEs), businesses with 50 or more employees, saw a 34% increase in ICHRA adoption from 2024 to 2025, while combined adoption of ICHRA and QSEHRA grew 19% year-over-year.(2) HRA Council members report increases of 400-800% in employer requests for quotes for 2026 and 2027.(1)

This explosive growth means more employers are evaluating ICHRA than ever before. But here’s the challenge: with such dramatic location-based variations in individual market pricing, making an informed decision without county-specific data is nearly impossible.

As of 2025, the individual market covers approximately 24 million people, while the small group market covers about 10 million.(3) Every employer’s decision about ICHRA impacts not just their bottom line, but their employees’ access to quality healthcare. With nearly 70% of employees selecting Gold or Silver-tier Marketplace plans when given ICHRA contributions, employers need to ensure robust individual health insurance options exist before making the switch.(2)

Manually researching individual health insurance options across multiple counties, especially for distributed workforces, is overwhelming and time-consuming. The Market Snapshot Tool solves this problem by providing instant access to comprehensive market data across all 3,000+ U.S. counties.

Why location matters for your ICHRA strategy

The success of an ICHRA strategy depends entirely on the strength of your local individual health insurance market. This isn’t a minor consideration; it’s a make-or-break factor for ICHRA implementation.

State-by-State Variability

According to Ideon’s analysis, the top ICHRA-friendly states are Colorado, Ohio, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina, and Mississippi.(4) These states consistently show individual market premiums significantly lower than small group rates. But not all states share these favorable dynamics, and sometimes there are favorable pockets adjacent to poor markets. Some states see individual premiums that exceed group rates by substantial margins, making careful evaluation essential before transitioning to an ICHRA model. But remember, even in less favorable individual markets, it’s still better for your budget than year over year high renewals and unpredictable budgets.

County-level differences

Even within ICHRA-friendly states, costs can vary dramatically from county to county. A company with employees in multiple Georgia counties might find excellent ICHRA options in Atlanta but face completely different market conditions in rural areas. These granular variations can mean the difference between saving 20% on benefits costs and paying 50% more.

Multi-state workforces

Today’s distributed workforce adds layers of complexity. Our analysis of top markets shows cities like Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and other major metros offer strong individual market conditions, but each market is unique. What works in one metro area might fail in another.

State policies drive market dynamics

State-based reinsurance programs have played a critical role in making ICHRA’s attractive by stabilizing and lowering individual market premiums.(3) States with these programs often see more competitive individual rates, directly impacting ICHRA viability. Understanding which states have implemented these market-stabilizing policies helps predict where ICHRA options will be most favorable.

What Take Command’s Market Snapshot Tool does

Take Command’s Market Snapshot Tool cuts through the complexity by providing instant, actionable intelligence about local health insurance markets. Simply enter an employee’s county and state, and the tool immediately shows you the ACA-compliant insurance plans available in their area.

Comprehensive market intelligence

The tool delivers critical data points for all 3,000+ U.S. counties:

Real-time market conditions for current individual health insurance options
Plan availability metrics showing the number and types of ACA-compliant health plans
Cost analysis by age bracket displaying average premiums across demographics
Carrier competition levels indicating market health and stability
Plan tier distribution showing Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum options

This comprehensive view helps employers understand not just whether ICHRA is viable, but exactly how to structure their benefits for success.

How the Market Snapshot Tool Supports Employers

Instant viability assessment

Before investing time and resources in ICHRA implementation, employers can immediately determine whether this approach makes sense for their specific workforce. The tool eliminates expensive guesswork by providing concrete data about available ACA-compliant health plans in each employee’s location.

Precision budget planning

Individual market premiums are age-rated, meaning a 25-year-old and a 55-year-old will pay very different amounts for the same plan. The Market Snapshot Tool shows these variations clearly, enabling employers to design allowances that work for their entire workforce—not just averages.

Multi-location analysis at scale

For companies with distributed teams, what would normally require weeks of research becomes a matter of minutes. Instead of manually investigating markets across multiple states, employers can quickly assess ICHRA viability for their entire workforce in one session.

Direct cost comparison

The tool provides the foundation for meaningful comparisons between current group plan costs and potential ICHRA expenses. This apples-to-apples comparison is essential for making an informed financial decision.

Confident employee communication

Armed with real market data, employers can have transparent, fact-based conversations with employees about the transition to ICHRA. When employees understand that robust individual health insurance options are available, they’re more likely to embrace the change.

How to use the Market Snapshot Tool effectively

Getting maximum value from Take Command’s Market Snapshot Tool requires a systematic approach:

Step 1: Compile Your Employee Census – Gather county and state information for all employees. For remote workers, use their primary residence location. Include age ranges to understand demographic impact.

Step 2: Enter Each Location – Input each unique county/state combination into the tool. The streamlined interface allows for quick data entry and immediate results.

Step 3: Analyze Market Depth – Look beyond just the number of plans. Examine the variety of carriers, the distribution of plan tiers, and the robustness of provider networks.

Step 4: Evaluate Age-Based Variations – Pay special attention to how costs vary by age in each market. This will inform your allowance strategy and help you avoid surprises.

Step 5: Create Your Comparison Framework – Document findings for each location and compare them against your current group plan costs. Look for patterns and outliers that might influence your strategy.

Pro Tip: Combine the Market Snapshot Tool with Take Command’s Window Shopping Tool to see actual plan details and specific premiums for employee scenarios. This two-tool approach provides both macro market insights and micro plan details.

Interpreting your results

Strong ICHRA markets

Your location is ICHRA-ready when you see:

4+ insurance carriers actively competing
Individual plans priced 10-30% below comparable group plans
Full spectrum of plan tiers (Bronze through Gold/Platinum)
Established provider networks with broad coverage
Stable year-over-year pricing trends

These conditions indicate employees will have meaningful choices at competitive prices.

Markets requiring strategy

Proceed with careful planning when you observe evolving markets that include:

2-3 carriers with limited competition
Mixed pricing where some employee segments save while others pay more
Geographic disparities within your workforce
Limited Gold/Platinum options for employees wanting richer benefits

In these situations, consider varied allowances by location or a hybrid approach combining ICHRA and group coverage.

Evolving markets: Work with an expert

Leverage ICHRA experts at Take Command if you observe:
Monopoly or duopoly carrier markets
Individual plans 20%+ more expensive than group options
Sparse provider networks limiting access to care
Only Bronze/Silver tiers available

These conditions suggest traditional group coverage might better serve your employees’ needs.

Next steps based on your findings

Green light scenarios

When the Market Snapshot Tool shows favorable conditions:

Request a detailed ICHRA proposal from Take Command with specific pricing for your organization
Calculate affordability requirements using the 2025 threshold of 9.02% of employee household income via our ICHRA Affordability Calculator
Design your employee classes with appropriate allowances based on location, age, and other permitted factors
Set your implementation timeline; ICHRAs can start any month, triggering special enrollment for employees

Mixed market scenarios

For organizations seeing varied results:

Map out a hybrid strategy offering ICHRA where it makes sense and group coverage elsewhere
Design location-based classes with different reimbursement amounts reflecting local costs
Calculate the overall impact to ensure total savings justify the added complexity

When to seek expert guidance

Schedule a consultation with Take Command’s ICHRA specialists to:

Interpret complex or borderline results
Design strategies for multi-state workforces
Navigate compliance requirements and affordability calculations
Understand market trends and future projections

Making data-driven ICHRA decisions

The Market Snapshot Tool transforms ICHRA evaluation from educated guessing to data-driven strategy. In a market growing at 1000% since 2020, with dramatic location-based price variations, flying blind is not an option.

The tool’s value extends beyond simple go/no-go decisions. It enables sophisticated strategies like location-based allowances, hybrid benefit designs, and targeted employee communications. For the 83% of employers offering benefits, including ICHRA, for the first time, it provides the confidence to enter the benefits arena. For established employers seeking to control costs, it offers the precision to optimize their approach.

As ICHRA continues its trajectory toward becoming a mainstream benefits solution, understanding your local market conditions isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. The difference between success and failure often comes down to whether individual health insurance options in your employees’ areas can deliver on ICHRA’s promise of choice, flexibility, and value.

Ready to discover what ICHRA options await your employees? Try the Market Snapshot Tool today.

For personalized guidance on implementing an ICHRA for your organization, contact Take Command’s team of experts. We’ll help you navigate the transition from traditional group coverage to a more flexible, employee-centric benefits model.

Frequently asked questions

What ACA-compliant health plans are available through ICHRA?

All individual market plans available through ICHRA must be ACA-compliant, meaning they cover essential health benefits including preventive care, emergency services, prescription drugs, and mental health services. Employees can purchase these ACA-compliant insurance plans either on public health insurance exchanges or directly from insurance carriers. The key requirement is that the plan must be individual coverage, not a group plan, and must meet all ACA standards. This ensures employees have access to comprehensive coverage that protects them from catastrophic medical costs.

How do ICHRA options vary by state?

ICHRA options show dramatic state-by-state variation, with our analysis showing premiums ranging from 42% less expensive to 123% more expensive than group coverage depending on location. States with robust individual markets, multiple competing carriers, and supportive policies like reinsurance programs tend to offer the best ICHRA options. The top ICHRA-friendly states currently include Ohio, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina, and Mississippi. However, even within favorable states, county-level variations can be substantial, making location-specific analysis essential.

Can the tool show all individual health insurance options in my area?

The Market Snapshot Tool displays comprehensive data about ACA-compliant health plans available in each of the 3,000+ U.S. counties. It shows the number of carriers, plan tiers available (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), and average costs by age bracket. For detailed information about specific plans—including exact premiums, deductibles, provider networks, and prescription formularies—you can use Take Command’s Window Shopping Tool or work directly with our team for a customized analysis of individual health insurance options in your area.

Why are ACA-compliant health plans important for ICHRA?

ACA-compliant insurance is legally required for ICHRA participation—employees cannot receive tax-free reimbursements for non-compliant plans. This requirement protects both employers and employees by ensuring comprehensive coverage with essential health benefits, guaranteed coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions, and preventive care without cost-sharing. By requiring ACA-compliant health plans, ICHRA guarantees employees have access to quality coverage while employers can confidently offer tax-advantaged reimbursements without compliance concerns.

For more insights on ICHRA implementation and administration, explore Take Command’s comprehensive ICHRA Guide or browse our blog for the latest updates on the evolving ICHRA landscape.