US Health Benefit Costs Set for Biggest Jump in 15 Years in 2026
Healthcare costs per employee in the US are forecast to rise 6.7% year-over-year in 2026, reaching at least $18,500 — the largest annual increase in 15 years. Most large firms plan to raise employee premium contributions in 2027.
The surge in US health insurance costs is accelerating. According to a recent report, health benefit costs per employee are expected to increase 6.7% year-over-year in 2026, reaching at least $18,500. That would be the biggest annual jump in 15 years and more than double the increases seen in 2019 or 2022.
Health insurers are projected to raise the cost of employer group plans by over 6.0% for the fourth consecutive year. In response, roughly 66% of large US firms plan to increase monthly employee premium contributions in 2027.
Workers who frequently visit doctors or fill prescriptions could see their healthcare costs rise as much as 8.0% year-over-year. Overall, US healthcare costs have never been higher.
Source: The Kobeissi Letter