As employers brace for significant healthcare cost increases in 2026, many are seeking out innovative strategies to manage the impact.

This comes from the Business Group on Health’s newly released trends report , which highlights the key issues expected to shape 2026 health benefits and how employers plan to respond.

“A volatile cost environment has been fueled by a complex and fragmented health care ecosystem, and it is faltering,” said Ellen Kelsay, president and CEO of the Business Group on Health, in a statement. “Employers remain committed to providing robust health and well-being offerings, yet they must act swiftly and strategically to manage costs while boosting health outcomes.”

Here are the eight trends the Business Group on Health believes employers should watch in 2026:

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