Research & Reporting
Curated research on where employer health costs, premiums, and policy are heading — updated as new reports land.
PwC's annual medical trend report projects an 8.5% increase for group health plans in 2026 — a rate last seen 15 years ago — driven by hospital pricing, GLP-1 drugs, and rising behavioral health claims.
KFF's Peterson Health System Tracker analyzed 318 small-group insurers' 2026 rate filings, finding proposed changes ranging from -5% to +32%, with most in the 5-15% range.
Mercer's employer survey found 2026 premiums rising 6-7%, more than double the current inflation rate, with average employer spend topping $18,000 per employee.
The Commonwealth Fund's review of insurer rate filings shows federal policy changes, including the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, are driving substantially higher costs for 2026.
Families USA's review of 2026 rate filings found individual market rates averaging 26% higher than the prior year, with group plans facing similar underlying cost pressure.
Insights link to third-party research and are shared for informational purposes only. They are not a recommendation of any specific plan or carrier.