Employer-sponsored healthcare costs are expected to rise nearly 10 percent in 2026, marking one of the largest increases in more than a decade. This article breaks down what’s driving the surge and what it means for employees as premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and affordability pressures continue to grow.

By 2026, employee benefits have become a core people strategy, shifting from one-size-fits-all perks to personalized, flexible support that reflects how employees actually live and work.