WTW sees US employer healthcare costs rising 11.1% in 2027 before plan changes
WTW•WTW projects U.S. employer healthcare costs will rise 11.1% in 2027 before plan changes and 9.7% after them, the fastest increase since the early 2000s. It also forecasts pharmacy costs rising 11.5% in 2026.
1. Healthcare cost projections
WTW projects U.S. employer healthcare costs will rise 11.1% in 2027 before plan changes and 9.7% after them. Pharmacy costs are forecast to rise 11.5% in 2026, up from 9% in 2025.
2. Employer plan changes
Forty-nine percent of employers say significant healthcare program changes will be necessary within three years, up from 34% last year. By 2028, 85% plan or are considering shifting costs through employee premium contributions, compared with 44% currently doing so.
