US employers are bracing for the steepest jump in health insurance costs in at least 15 years, with premiums projected to climb nearly 10% next year — on top of years of already sharp increases.

Benefits consultants Aon and WTW told the Wall Street Journal that employer health-coverage costs are set to surge about 9.5% and 9.2% in 2026, respectively, the fastest rise since at least 2011.

The average family plan now runs roughly $25,500 annually — equivalent to the price of a small car. 3

“It’s an unsustainable number for a lot of employers,” said Shawn Gremminger, head of the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions. He said the reaction from companies “ranges between upset, shocked, freaked out and resigned.”

Insurers say premiums are being driven up by rising hospi

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