By Amina Niasse

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Americans with employer-based health insurance are likely to see monthly premiums rise 6% to 7% in 2026, due to higher prices for specialty drugs and increasing use of medical services, according to a survey by consulting firm Mercer.

The cost of health plans for employers will increase 6.5% next year, even once benefit design changes are implemented. For employers that do not make changes, Mercer projected health plan cost will increase 9%.

Over half of U.S. employers aim to cut back on health plan spending next year due to the increase, said Sunit Patel, chief actuary at Mercer. Patel cited higher prices of treatments for weight loss and cancer and increased use of medical services including behavioral health.

“The rise of virtual healthcare – and

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