GlobeNewswire·Oct 28, 2026, 10:03 AM ET

WTW 2026 Best Practices in Healthcare Survey: U.S. employer healthcare costs set to rise at fastest pace in more than two decades

High-cost claimants (86%) and pharmacy spending (83%) are the top healthcare cost pressures for U.S. employers in 2026.
U.S. employers project healthcare costs will rise 11.1% in 2027 before changes, with a remaining 9.7% increase after adjustments.
Pharmacy costs are expected to grow 11.5% in 2026, accounting for approximately 36% of total healthcare claims when medical benefit drugs are included.
49% of employers plan significant healthcare program changes within three years, with 78% prioritizing cost control & financial risk.
GLP-1 coverage for weight loss declined to 53% in 2026, driven by cost concerns, while PBM Net Promoter Scores fell to -25.
Employers are shifting costs to employees, with 85% planning to increase premium contributions & 71% raising out-of-pocket expenses by 2028.
61% of employers avoid significant plan complexity due to fear of member pushback, as 58% of employees prefer higher out-of-pocket costs over plan restrictions.
80% of employers favor long-term, multiyear solutions over immediate savings to manage healthcare spending.
84% of employers plan to bid out health plans or vendors by 2028, while 55% intend to evaluate fraud, waste, & abuse more rigorously.
The average employer now utilizes 13 health vendors, yet only 34% evaluate the clinical impact of point solutions.