Mercer, a business of Marsh McLennan, released preliminary findings from its 2025 National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans, projecting that health benefit
The data, drawn from over 1,700 U.S. employers, highlights 2026 as the fourth consecutive year of elevated growth after a decade of modest 3% annual increases. Sunit Patel, Mercer’s U.S. Chief Actuary for Health and Benefits, explained, “Health benefit cost trend has two primary components – healthcare price and utilization. Right now, both are rising.” He cited higher costs from advanced treatments, provider consolidation, inflationary pressures, and increased demand for services, including behavioral health through virtual platforms.
Employers are responding with cost-control measures, with 59% planning changes in 2026, up from 48% in 2025. Adjustments will include higher deductibles and copays, though many will also pursue strategies that avoid shifting costs to employees. Ed Lehman, Mercer’s U.S. Health and Benefits Leader noted, “Employers have been unwavering in their commitment to supporting employees’ mental health since the early days of the pandemic.” Employees, meanwhile, may face 6%–7% higher paycheck deductions for premiums, alongside potential out-of-pocket increases, making plan choice and benefit design a critical consideration heading into 2026.