Health · Healthcare & Policy · 4 hrs ago
Workplace health coverage costs are expected to rise again in 2027
Employers in the United States are expected to face a 9.5% rise in health care costs in 2027.
Workers who get insurance through their jobs may also pay more in premiums or when they receive care.
Health costs have risen for several years, driven in part by greater use of health services and expensive treatments, including obesity medications.
In 2026, workers’ share of family premiums rose 9% on average to nearly $7,500, while wages rose 3.7%, according to KFF.
Employers may change benefits to limit costs, such as raising deductibles or steering workers toward preferred provider networks.
These choices matter because higher costs can strain household budgets, even for people with job-based coverage.
During annual enrollment, workers should check how plan changes affect premiums, deductibles, copays and medication costs.
Employers’ health care costs are forecast to rise 9.5% in 2027, according to insurance brokerage Aon.
Workers may also face higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs as employers adjust their health plans.
KFF reported that workers’ share of premiums rose 9% this year, while their average raises were 3.7%.
Employers are weighing higher premiums against changes such as increased deductibles to manage costs.
Health care use, costly treatments and demand for expensive obesity medications are among the factors driving higher costs.
- Who
- US employers and workers with job-based health insurance.
- What
- Employer health care costs are forecast to rise 9.5% in 2027, with workers likely to face higher costs.
- When
- The forecast is for 2027. The articles were published on October 22, 2026.
- Where
- The United States.
- Why
- Costs are rising amid increased use of health services, expensive treatments and demand for obesity medications.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Workers’ share of premiums rose 9% on average, to nearly $7,500 for family coverage, according to KFF.
KFF’s employer health benefits survey was published, and the articles reported forecasts of higher costs for 2027.
Employers’ health care costs are forecast to jump 9.5%, according to Aon.
- Forecast increase
- Employers’ health care costs are expected to rise 9.5% in 2027.
- Worker premium share
- Nearly $7,500 on average for family coverage in 2026, according to KFF.
- Worker raises
- 3.7% on average, according to KFF.
- OSI Packaging premiums
- $300 a month in 2026, up $100 from the prior year.
- University Club premium options
- Nearly 13% increase with a $1,000 deductible, or about 7% with a $1,500 deductible.
2 sources
What people are saying
The affordability crisis is real
The average health insurance premium for a family of four is now $28,000, which is just a ton of money
It’s their healthcare
It’s hard to stomach for the employees and the employer when you’re increasing the premiums but diluting the benefits