Claritev sees specialty drugs driving healthcare costs higher in 2027
CTEV•Claritev’s analysis says specialty drugs beyond GLP-1s will drive healthcare costs higher in 2027. Employer healthcare costs rose nearly 8% in 2026, while pharmacy spending climbed close to 15%.
1. Cost pressures build
Claritev’s October 22 analysis identifies specialty drugs beyond GLP-1s as a leading pressure on healthcare costs heading into 2027. Employer healthcare costs rose nearly 8% in 2026, the steepest increase in more than a decade, while pharmacy spending climbed close to 15%.
2. Other cost drivers
Chronic and mental health conditions account for roughly 90% of U.S. healthcare spending, the analysis says. Provider consolidation is increasing negotiating leverage and reimbursement rates, clinical workforce costs remain a source of upward pressure, and AI is emerging as a cost factor as hospitals optimize billing and payers sharpen claims adjudication.
