Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about how we work, what it costs, and how we help employers control group health spend.
How much are employer health insurance costs expected to rise in 2026?
Employer health costs are projected to rise about 9% in 2026 — roughly 7.6% net of the plan-design changes employers are making to blunt the increase — marking one of the steepest sustained trends in over a decade. Nyala Health helps employers control this increase through smarter plan design, direct carrier negotiation, and alternative funding strategies like level-funded plans and ICHRA.
Get a free 2026 cost benchmarking analysisWhy are employers restricting GLP-1 weight-loss drug coverage?
A majority of large employers report that GLP-1 medications have significantly increased their prescription drug spend in 2025 and 2026, so many are adding utilization management and clinical eligibility criteria rather than dropping coverage outright. As an independent advisor, Nyala Health helps employers design GLP-1 coverage that balances cost control with employee health needs.
See our prescription cost management approachIs mental health coverage driving up employer health costs?
Yes — mental health has emerged as a top driver of employer health plan costs for the first time, alongside specialty and cancer drug costs. Nyala Health accounts for behavioral health utilization in plan design and network selection so employers can protect access while managing the underlying cost trend.
Explore our employer benefits solutionsWhat are level-funded health plans and ICHRA, and are they right for my company?
Level-funded plans and ICHRA are the two leading alternative-funding strategies employers are using in 2026 to control costs: level-funded plans return surplus dollars when claims run under budget, while an ICHRA gives employees a fixed tax-free allowance to buy their own coverage. Both can lower and stabilize costs for the right group. Nyala Health models your specific workforce before recommending either.
Read our level-funded vs. ICHRA comparisonWhen is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for 2026–2027 coverage?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 each year, with changes taking effect January 1. As an independent, AHIP- and NABIP-certified advisor who is not tied to any single carrier, Nyala Health helps Medicare-eligible individuals compare Medicare Advantage and Part D options objectively.
Compare Medicare options with an independent advisorIs Nyala Health affiliated with an insurance carrier?
No. Nyala Health is independent and works for the client — not the insurer. Because we are not owned by or beholden to any carrier, every recommendation is based on what is best for your business and your employees.
Learn how our independent model worksWhat states does Nyala Health serve?
Nyala Health serves clients nationwide. Founder Harold Bailey III is individually licensed as an insurance producer in all 50 U.S. states. Coverage, carrier availability and appointment status may vary by state and product.
View our state-by-state license numbersDo we have to switch plans to work with Nyala Health?
No. We represent employers on fully-insured plans every day. Our job is to make sure you are not overpaying on whatever plan you have — and if there is a better option, we will show you the math before anything changes.
What does it cost to hire Nyala Health as our broker?
Compensation depends on the engagement. Nyala Health may receive compensation from insurance carriers and, where applicable, may charge a separately disclosed brokerage or advisory fee. Any client-paid fees are disclosed before the engagement so there are no surprises.
We already have a broker. Why would we switch?
Most brokers renew the same plan every year. We benchmark your costs against the market, audit your current plan, and identify savings you are likely leaving on the table.
Have us audit your renewalHow quickly can you review our current plan?
We typically deliver a benchmarking analysis within 48 hours of receiving your current plan details. No commitment is required.
We're currently in a PEO. Can you help us evaluate alternatives?
Yes. Many employers overpay for benefits bundled inside a PEO. We compare your current PEO benefit costs against standalone group plans so you can see the true cost difference and decide what makes sense.
Explore PEO alternativesStill Have Questions?
Get a free, no-obligation benefits analysis and we'll benchmark your current plan within one business day.