Employer and worker health plan costs expected to jump in 2027

Employers in the U.S. are expected to face significantly higher health insurance costs in 2027, potentially leading to increased expenses for workers, according to a recent survey. Marsh, a health benefits consulting firm, predicts that the total health benefit cost per employee, encompassing both employer and employee premium contributions, will rise by an average of 8.2% next year, marking the largest increase since 2003.

This forecast accounts for cost-cutting measures that employers plan to implement, such as raising deductibles. However, without these measures, employers estimate health plan costs would spike by 11% on average. The projections stem from a national survey Marsh conducted over the summer on employer-sponsored health plans.

Health benefits have been on the rise in recent years, primarily due to escalating treatment costs for serious illnesses like cancer. The number of healthcare providers has also decreased, giving them more bargaining power with insurers. Prescription drug prices have also surged, with new treatments contributing to the upward trend.

Some employers are withdrawing coverage for high-cost drugs or imposing stricter qualification criteria to manage spending. Despite employers typically covering around 80% of health plan costs, workers usually bear the remaining 20%. Historically, when premiums have increased, both employers and employees have shared the burden.

However, some employers may absorb more healthcare costs due to industry dynamics and other factors. Many workers are likely to experience higher medical coverage costs in 2027, with potential increases in both paycheck deductions and out-of-pocket expenses.