Cost of health insurance expected to exceed $18,500 per employee in 2026, survey shows

Managed Healthcare Executive November 19, 2025
Logan Lutton

Key Takeaways

• Healthcare costs per employee are expected to increase by 6.7% in 2026, the highest in 15 years.
• Prescription drug costs, especially for large employers, significantly contribute to rising healthcare expenses.
• More employers are covering GLP-1 drugs for obesity, despite their high costs, reflecting the prevalence of obesity.
• Employers are offering diverse health plans and specialized programs to manage costs and meet diverse employee needs.
• Key employer priorities include managing high-cost claims, evaluating health program value, and enhancing behavioral healthcare access.

Health benefit costs for employees are projected to rise 6.7% in 2026—the largest increase in 15 years—as employers grapple with escalating prescription drug prices, growing GLP-1 coverage and a broader push to offer diverse, cost-saving health...

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