AXIOS (Adriel Bettelheim) - Employer health costs: Why it could be another tough year
Employers who've been reeling from near double-digit health cost increases the past three years can expect more of the same in 2027, according to new projections from benefits consultant Aon. Why it matters: Companies and their workers are locked in one of the most sustained periods of health care inflation in decades — and the trend lines are sure to intensify affordability concerns. Driving the news: Rising demand for health services, more chronic disease and increased use of drugs like GLP-1s will help drive up employer health costs 9.5% next year — to more than $19,000 per employee, Aon said. - Workers this year are expected to pay an average of $5,297 for health coverage, counting payroll contributions and out-of-pocket…