Employee Benefit News December 30, 2025
Marla McLaughlin, M.D.

Rising healthcare costs and evolving employee expectations are converging into a pivotal moment for employer-sponsored benefits. In 2026, employer medical costs are projected to climb by 7%, according to PwC’s Health Research Institute — well above the 10-year pre-pandemic average of 5.6%. That spike puts added pressure on employers to deliver benefits that are not only financially sustainable, but genuinely meaningful, to their workforce.

Meanwhile, employees expect more. Today’s workers want benefits that support their whole health — not just in emergencies, but through everyday care, prevention and emotional well-being. To meet these dual demands, many employers are reimagining their benefits strategy around a high-impact, often overlooked solution: primary care.

Here’s how employers can harness primary care to build a...

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