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Large U.S. employers are expecting median healthcare costs to rise 9% in 2026, according to new survey data from the Business Group on Health.
That’s up from an 8% employer increase forecast for 2025. It also appears to be the biggest annual increase forecast that the employers have provided since 2010, when the Business Group on Health began conducting the employer surveys.
The Washington-based group represents large employers. It received 121 employer responses to the latest survey; those employers provide health coverage for about 7.4 million people in the United States.
From employers’ perspective, the biggest drivers of cost increases now are the high price and increasing plan participant use of weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound and other weight-loss treatments; increased use of other pricey therapies and treatments; and an increased prevalence of mental health conditions.
Related: As weight loss drugs take off, here’s how to maximize ROI for all employees
Many orgs plan to bargain harder over healthcare costs
The Business Group on Health found that 34% of the employer survey participants hope to cope with the cost increases by negotiating more favorable terms with vendors.
About 22% will limit or reduce coverage for weight loss drugs,
