Health & Benefit Strategies for 2026: What Employers Need to Know

Health & Benefit Strategies for 2026: What Employers Need to Know

At Think Insurance Group, we know that every decision about benefits impacts both your business and your people. That’s why we stay close to emerging trends that shape tomorrow’s workforce strategies.

Mercer’s 2025 U.S. Survey on Health & Benefit Strategies for 2026 highlights a few key insights that matter for employers today:

Rising Costs, Thoughtful Responses

• Health benefit costs rose 4.5% in 2024 and are projected to rise another 5.8% in 2025. [1]
• Prescription drug spending grew even faster, with costs rising 8% in 2024, largely due to specialty drugs and GLP-1 medications for obesity. [1]

Employers are looking for new ways to manage cost while keeping healthcare affordable for employees—balancing financial responsibility with compassion.

Inclusive Benefits for a Resilient Workforce

• 54% of large employers now provide at least one form of childcare support, and 58% offer elder care benefits. [1]
• Mental health remains a top priority, with most employers expanding Employee Assistance Programs and offering digital tools for resiliency.

These inclusive benefits are not just perks—they build stability and resilience for employees navigating life’s challenges.

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Innovation in Plan Design

• More than a third of employers are turning to alternative health plans or high-performance networks to improve affordability.
• Some are introducing variable copay plans that let employees choose lower-cost providers with more transparent pricing.

Looking Ahead

Employers are also preparing for:

• Extreme climate impacts, with 76% reporting employee disruption from severe weather in the last two years. [1]
• AI-driven solutions in benefits, from advanced analytics to personalized communications.

At Think Insurance Group, our role is to guide organizations through these changes with clarity and care. Whether it’s navigating cost trends, designing inclusive benefits, or preparing for emerging risks, we bring a thoughtful approach to every decision.

Thoughtful service. Thoughtful plans. Thoughtful people.

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[1] Health on Demand 2025: survey report

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