Employer Health Costs Increase 7.9% In 2026

The cost of employer-sponsored health care for an average person rose 7.9% year-over-year, from $7,838 to $8,460, according to a recent actuarial analysis. This is the highest rate of increase in more than a decade, excluding fluctuations tied to COVID-19. The total projected cost for a hypothetical family of four reached $37,824, an increase of 7.2%.

Health insurance administrative claims data was used for the report. The analysis measures the total cost of covered health care services for an average person and a defined family of four enrolled in an average . . .