U.S. employers project a median healthcare cost increase of 10% for 2026, according to new survey results from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. The survey was done from July 30, 2025, to Aug. 7, 2025, with 150 respondents; 83% were self-funded. The survey was conducted via email/online.

In the survey, employers said the top four factors influencing rising costs include:

Catastrophic claims: last year, 20% indicated this was the reason for increased costs. This year, it's 31%.

Specialty/costly prescription drugs: This year, 23% of respondents said this was the reason for increasing costs, up from 20% last year.

Utilization due to chronic health conditions: This year 15% of respondents indicated this is why costs are up, which is down from 16% last year.

Medical p

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