Large U.S. employers are expecting median healthcare costs to rise 9% in 2026, according to new survey data from the Business Group on Health.
That’s up from an 8% employer increase forecast for 2025. It also appears to be the biggest annual increase forecast that the employers have provided since 2010, when the Business Group on Health began conducting the employer surveys.
The Washington-based group represents large employers. It received 121 employer responses to the latest survey; those employers provide health coverage for about 7.4 million people in the United States.
From employers’ perspective, the biggest drivers of cost increases now are the high price and increasing plan participant use of weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound and other weight-loss treatments; increased use of other pricey therapies and treatments; and an increased prevalence of mental health conditions.
Related: As weight loss drugs take off, here’s how to maximize ROI for all employees
Many orgs plan to bargain harder over healthcare costs
The Business Group on Health found that 34% of the employer survey participants hope to cope with the cost increases by negotiating more favorable terms with vendors.
About 22% will limit or reduce coverage for weight loss drugs, including GLP-1 agonists and related medications.
Roughly 3% are strongly considering eliminating their current health benefits programs and providing stipends that workers can use to buy their own individual health coverage.
In connection with wellness and health improvement efforts, one significant change is coming to breast cancer screenings: In 2026, about 43% of the employers surveyed will cover all breast cancer screenings, including follow-up ultrasounds and mammograms, as preventive care.
That’s up from 25% this year.
See also: The latest trends for retaining talent in today’s uncertain economy
This article was originally published on BenefitsPRO, a sister site of HR Executive. For more content like this delivered to your inbox, sign up for BenefitsPRO newsletters here.
Credit: Source link
