Gallagher report shows 36% of US employers see 10%+ health plan premium hikes at renewal - AJG News | RalliesGallagher report shows 36% of US employers see 10%+ health plan premium hikes at renewal
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AJG• Gallagher’s 2026 US benefits benchmarks highlight higher employer cost pressure
- Gallagher’s 2026 US Benefits Benchmarks flagged tighter employer governance, analytics, and vendor oversight as healthcare cost pressure intensifies.
- 36% of employers reported health plan premium increases of 10%+ at their latest renewal, despite plan design changes.
- Pharmacy spend drew heightened scrutiny, with 49% citing specialty drug costs as a top challenge, reflecting GLP-1 impact.
- Voluntary benefits expanded as a lower-cost support lever, with 72% aiming to broaden packages, 66% targeting coverage gaps.
- Wellbeing engagement remained weak, with 23% reporting participation below 20%, prompting shifts toward more integrated benefit programs.