Employers Brace for the Largest Health Insurance Increase in 15 Years
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Brokers are Being Tasked to Fight the Largest Surge in Healthcare Costs in Over a Decade
As we head into 2026, employers and their health insurance brokers are facing a daunting challenge.
Health benefit costs are seeing the highest increase in 15 years with costs for employer-sponsored plans expecting to surge about 9.5%.
This would represent the largest rate increase since 2011.
This surge is being driven by inflation, specialty drug costs, and increased healthcare utilization, leaving many employers scrambling for solutions.
Why This Year Is Different
This isn’t just another annual increase. It’s a historic spike that’s forcing employers to rethink their benefits strategy.
According to an analysis by Mercer, a business of Marsh McLennan, 2026 will be the fourth consecutive year of elevated health benefit cost growth following a decade of moderate annual increases.
To fight the surge and protect their bottom line, many employers are considering:
- Higher deductibles and copays
- Narrower networks
- Cost-shifting to employees
The Broker’s Role
For brokers, this moment presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
How can you help your clients manage rising costs without compromising benefits or cost-shifting to employees?
With pressure mounting on CEOs and CFOs, many companies are now considering long-term, unconventional strategies to control costs. Employers, especially small to midsize companies, are looking for a broker partner to lead them through this increasingly difficult insurance landscape
Navigating the Healthcare Affordability Crisis for 2026 Renewals
Join our upcoming webinar to help you frame renewal conversations with your employer groups.
We will guide you on how to analyze plan design options and explore innovative cost-containment strategies, all while equipping you with tools to stand out as a trusted advisor in the upcoming renewal season.
Topics covered include:
- Spotting the latest trends driving healthcare costs in 2026 renewals
- Comparing smart strategies to lower costs without cutting value
- Learning how to stand out as a trusted advisor in renewal season
- Ready-to-use tools for Q4 client meetings
Learn more about The Difference Card
The Difference Card MERP Solution allows employers to customize their benefits without switching carriers or shifting costs to employees.
The 2026 renewal season is approaching fast. Don’t wait until your clients are forced to make tough decisions. Let’s work together to offer a smarter, more sustainable path forward.
Contact us today to learn how The Difference Card can help your clients face highest cost increase in 15 years.
