Total health benefit cost per employee rose 6.0% in 2025, with an increase of 6.7% projected for 2026, the highest in 15 years

Change in total health benefit cost per employee compared to CPI

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*Projected. Indicates disruptions to cost trend caused by pandemic-related fluctuations in utilization Source: Mercer’s National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans (beginning in 2020 results are based on employers with 50 or more employees); Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index, U.S. City Average of Annual Inflation (September to September) 2013-2025.