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…
On average, what percentage of health plan costs are responsible for by companies?
Companies are responsible for approximately 82% of health plan costs, according to Aon.
Q&A ID 37aad06c-a829-45d9-81a6-8d11fde7f549
How much are workers expected to pay for health coverage this year, and how does it compare to 2025?
Workers are expected to pay an average of $5,297 for health coverage this year (including payroll contributions and out-of-pocket spending), which is $388 more than they paid in 2025.
Q&A ID 88df6634-70ee-4b0c-b0a6-6a3b8b86a9b8
What are the projected employer health cost increases for 2027 according to Aon?
Employer health costs are projected to rise 9.5% in 2027, reaching more than $19,000 per employee, according to projections from benefits consultant Aon.
Q&A ID b25189aa-4734-4bf0-983b-31ea1ff3cf80
