Hub report warns of 2026 health cost surge
Hub International expects combined medical and drug coverage costs to climb between 8 percent and 10 percent next year. Prescription expenses alone may jump 10 percent to 12 percent, while dental rates rise 4 percent to 5 percent, and vision costs increase 2 percent to 3 percent. Aon research shows American employer health spending will grow by 9.5 percent in 2026 and push average worker expenses past $17,000.
Specialty medications consume more than half of pharmacy budgets as chronic illnesses and expensive therapies drive price increases. Employers consider self-funded plans to control spending but face greater financial exposure when large claims arise. Stop loss protection helps companies manage the risk of volatile medical bills across their workforce.
