Employers expect to see health benefits rise by 6.7% in 2026, reaching more than $18,500 per employee on average, according to a new report. Analysts at Mercer estimate that health costs in 2025 reached an average of $17,496 for each employee, growth of 6%. That’s a rate that outpaced inflation and wage growth, according to the report. The increase was driven by a sharp spike in prescription drug spending, which increased by 9.4% on average for large employers, or firms with at least 500 employees. A projected 6.7% rise in total cost is also expected to significantly increase employees’ cost-sharing in tandem next year, according to the report, which makes affordability an even greater challenge.
Read the full article: Employers Brace for 6.7% Increase in Health Benefits Costs Next Year: Mercer //
Source: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/employers-brace-67-increase-health-benefits-costs-next-year-mercer