Employer Health Costs Are Expected to Spike in 2027

Large and small employers are bracing for what looks to be the sharpest increase in health care costs in more than two decades.The cost per worker is projected to go up an average of 11 percent next year, or somewhat lower if workers’ insurance benefits are reduced, according to a U.S.

survey released Wednesday.The employers’ final costs, after they make changes to health plans, are still expected to increase about 8 percent next year, the steepest since 2003, according to Marsh, the benefits consultant formerly known as Mercer.More than a third of the 1,800 employers surveyed said they anticipated that costs would rise at least 10 percent after making cuts.“This year was a rough year, and next year looks like it will be even rougher,” said Beth Umland, director of employer research for health and benefits at Marsh, in an interview.The Marsh survey is the latest report by an employer group or benefit consultant predicting a sharp rise in health care costs next year.Many Americans, even those with insurance, are already struggling to afford care, according to various surveys, and health care has become a top issue for voters.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

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