Your Health Insurance IS Going To Increase By The Biggest Percentage in 15 Years!

Andy | September 16, 2025

Your Health Insurance Is About to Get More Expensive—Here’s Why

If it feels like your health insurance costs are always going up, you’re not imagining it. According to a recent survey from Mercer, a consulting firm, health benefit costs are projected to increase by 6.5% in 2026—the highest jump in 15 years. This trend is a wake-up call for both employers and employees, as everyone’s wallets are about to feel the pinch.

What’s Driving the Price Hikes?

The rise in costs isn’t just due to one single factor; it’s a perfect storm of several powerful trends:

Advances in medical science: New, cutting-edge treatments for things like cancer and chronic conditions are often incredibly expensive. While these therapies offer hope and better health outcomes, their high cost contributes significantly to rising insurance premiums.
More people using more services: A recent increase in healthcare utilization is also a key factor. This includes people catching up on care they put off during the pandemic and the growing acceptance and use of virtual healthcare, which makes it easier than ever to access a doctor.
Inflation: The broader economic trend of inflation is hitting the healthcare industry hard. Rising wages for healthcare workers and the increased cost of medical supplies are all passed down to consumers and employers.

How Employers Are Responding

Facing these mounting costs, employers are looking for ways to manage their budgets. The survey found that a growing number of companies plan to make changes to their health plans in 2026. This often means raising deductibles and co-pays, which shifts more of the financial burden directly onto employees.

However, some employers are also exploring new strategies to curb costs without simply making their employees pay more. They are focusing on managing high-cost claims and using high-performance network plans, which guide employees toward a curated list of providers known for quality care and lower costs. At the same time, many companies are still prioritizing employee well-being by expanding access to mental health services.

What This Means for You

For most employees, these changes will mean a higher paycheck deduction for health coverage. On average, employees can expect to see their premium share rise by 6% to 7% in 2026.

This is why your next open enrollment period is more important than ever. It’s crucial to take a close look at all your options. You’ll need to balance the monthly premium with potential out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and co-pays. Choosing a high-performance network plan might seem restrictive, but it could save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

Don’t wait until the last minute. By understanding these upcoming changes, you can make an informed decision that protects both your health and your wallet.

I can help you with options.

Andy Orlikoff 623-742-3878