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Health Insurance Premiums Projected to Rise Significantly in 2026

Americans wiht employer-based​ health insurance could ⁤see monthly premiums rise‌ 6% to 7% in 2026, according to a new report from consulting firm Mercer.

That projection comes from ​a survey of over 1,700 U.S. companies, which expect the ​average‍ cost of health plans for employers to climb 6.5% next year – the steepest increase since 2010.

As plan costs go up, the employee share of the premium typically rises proportionally, Mercer said.

If the forecast holds, it would ‍mark the fourth straight year of⁤ significantly higher health insurance costs⁤ for employers following a decade of more ⁢moderate annual increases averaging about 3%, the report noted.

in response, nearly 60% of employers plan to make ⁤cost-cutting changes to thier ⁤health plans in ‍2026. Generally, that ⁢means raising deductibles and other cost-sharing provisions, which can leave workers with higher out-of-pocket costs when ⁤they seek care.

for employers that don’t make changes, Mercer estimates plan costs will increase by nearly⁣ 9%,⁤ on average.

Drivers of Rising Costs

Two forces are driving‌ costs ‍higher: the rising price ​of care and greater use of services.

On the price pressures ⁤side,higher wages across the health care sector have made providing care more expensive.⁣ Simultaneously occurring, new advances in medical technology and treatments, ⁤while beneficial, frequently enough ​come with a higher price tag.

Increased utilization​ of healthcare services, partially a result of delayed care during the COVID-19 pandemic, is also contributing to‍ the rising costs. Peopel are now seeking preventative care and addressing health issues that were put off, leading to greater demand.