Employer health plan costs are projected to rise 8.2% in 2027, the biggest jump in over 20 years
Mercer blames continuing growth in medical costs, and employers expect workers to absorb part of it.
Mercer projects employer health-benefit costs will climb faster in 2027 than in any year in more than two decades. Employers plan to shift part of that cost to workers through higher premium shares and out-of-pocket charges.