Employee Benefits Report – May 2026
The New Wave of AI-Driven Benefits Administration: What Employers Need to Know in 2026
Artificial intelligence has been creeping into benefits administration for years, but 2026 marks the moment it becomes a defining force. Employers are adopting AI-powered tools not just to streamline enrollment or answer routine questions, but to reshape how employees navigate care, how plans are managed, and how compliance risks are monitored. Read on for details.
Chronic Condition Management 2.0: GLP-1 Alternatives and New Digital Therapeutics
Chronic conditions have long been the pri¬mary driver of employer healthcare spend¬ing, but 2026 marks a turning point in how organizations are approaching prevention, treat¬ment, and long-term management. With GLP-1 medications dominating headlines — and bud¬gets — employers are urgently exploring comple¬mentary or alternative strategies that can improve outcomes without unsustainable cost growth. Read on for details.
The Return-to-Office Reset: How Benefits Are Being Re-Engineered in 2026
After several years of experimentation, many employers are tightening hybrid schedules or requiring more in-office days. This “return-to-office reset” is reshaping benefits strategies as organizations look for ways to support commuting employees, improve onsite experience, and maintain flexibility. Read on for details.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Costs Surge Again: What Employers Can Do
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions remain one of the top cost drivers in employer health plans, and 2026 is shaping up to be another challenging year. Rising rates of chronic back pain, joint issues, and repetitive-strain injuries — combined with increased surgical utilization — are pushing MSK spending higher across all industries. Read on for details.
Life & Health Insurance Advisor – Summer 2026
Health Insurance in 2026: Rising Premiums, Bigger Deductibles, and How to Stay Protected
If you buy your own health insurance—through the ACA Marketplace or directly from an insurer—you’ve likely noticed that 2026 is shaping up to be another year of rising costs. Premiums in the individual market continue to climb, and many plans are shifting more of the upfront expense to consumers through higher deductibles and cost sharing.Read on for details.
Life Insurance Rates Are Still Attractive—But They’re Changing
Life insurance continues to offer strong value, especially for individuals who buy coverage earlier in life. But behind the scenes, insurers are adjusting rates in response to updated mortality tables, new age band structures, and expanded use of health data.Read on for details.
Long Term Care in 2026: What Today’s Families Need to Know About Their Options
If you’ve been thinking about how to prepare for future care needs—whether for yourself, a spouse, or an aging parent—2026 is an important year to take a fresh look at long term care (LTC) planning. Traditional standalone LTC insurance has become harder to find, but new hybrid life/LTC products are expanding quickly, offering families more flexibility and more ways to protect their savings. Read on for details.
Long Term Care Planning Shifts as Hybrid Policies Surge
If you’ve been thinking about how to prepare for future care needs—whether for yourself, a spouse, or an aging parent—2026 is an important year to take a fresh look at long term care (LTC) planning. Traditional standalone LTC insurance has become harder to find, but new hybrid life/LTC products are expanding quickly, offering families more flexibility and more ways to protect their savings.
Read on for details.
Employee Benefits Report – April 2026
The 2026 Specialty Drug Surge Part 2: How Employers Are Rewriting Their Pharmacy Strategies
Specialty drugs have been a major cost driver for years, but 2026 marks a turning point in both scale and urgency. … specialty medications are projected to account for more than 60% of total pharmacy spending this year. Read on for details.
Mental Health Parity Enforcement Part 2: A New Compliance Reality for Employers
Mental health parity has been a compliance requirement for more than a decade, but 2026 marks a decisive shift in how aggressively federal agencies are enforcing it…regulators expect detailed documentation, transparent processes, and clear evidence that mental health and substance use disorder (MH/SUD) benefits are administered on equal terms with medical and surgical benefits. Read on for details.
Financial Wellness and Household Stability: Why Employers Are Making It a 2026 Priority
For years, employers focused their wellbeing strategies on physical and mental health. But in 2026, a different force is reshaping workforce stability: financial stress. Read on for details.
Rising Healthcare Costs and Affordability Pressures
Healthcare costs are rising at their fastest pace in more than a decade, and employers are feeling the strain. After an 8% jump in 2025, medical plan costs are projected to climb another 9–10% in 2026, driven by higher hospital prices, specialty drug spending, and increased demand for behavioral health services. Read on for details.
Employee Benefits Report – March 2026
The 2026 Specialty Drug Surge: What Employers Need to Prepare For
Specialty drugs have been a major cost driver for years, but 2026 marks a significant shift in both scale and urgency. With GLP 1 medications expanding into new indications, gene therapies entering the market at record pace, and oncology drugs continuing to rise in both cost and utilization, specialty medications are projected to account for more than 60% of total pharmacy spending this year. Read on for details.
The New Era of Mental Health Parity Enforcement in 2026
Regulators Are Increasing Scrutiny
Federal agencies have made mental health parity enforcement a top priority in 2026, and employers sponsoring group health plans are feeling the impact. Regulators are no longer satisfied with high level assurances that plans comply with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). Read on for details.
The Return of Onsite and Near Site Clinics in 2026
A Shift Back Toward Local Care
After several years of virtual first care, onsite and near site clinics are making a strong comeback in 2026. Employers are rediscovering the value of providing convenient, high quality care directly to employees — and in many cases, their families.
Read on for details.
Voluntary Benefits in 2026: Expanding Choice Without Raising Costs
Voluntary benefits continue to gain momentum in 2026 as employers look for ways to expand support without increasing core medical plan costs. Employees are seeking more personalized options, and voluntary benefits offer a flexible way to meet diverse needs Read on for details.
Employee Benefits Report – February 2026
2026 Compliance Update: More on Last Month’s Key Regulatory Changes
In our January issue, we outlined the major compliance themes shaping 2026. This month, we build on that foundation with a deeper look at the annual updates, effective dates, and action steps employers need as the new year begins. Read on for details.
How Employers Are Responding to Rising Employee Expectations in 2026
Over the past two months, several major surveys — including the 2025 SHRM Employee Benefits Survey, the ADP TotalSource Employee Benefits Survey, and the 2025 National Benefits Survey — have painted a clear picture: employees are demanding more meaningful, more personalized, and more supportive benefits than ever before. Employers, facing a tight labor market and rising competition for talent, are responding by reshaping their benefits strategies around five core themes. Read on for details.
Telehealth in 2026: How Virtual Care Is Transforming Access, Quality, and Cost
Telehealth has moved far beyond the video visit boom of the pandemic. In 2026, virtual care is becoming a core component of the U.S. healthcare system — improving access, reducing administrative burden, and lowering costs for employers and employees alike. New technologies, expanded reimbursement, and AI driven tools are reshaping how care is delivered across specialties. Read on for details.
What the Latest Surveys Reveal About Employee Expectations
Recent national surveys offer a clear, numbers driven picture of what employees value most — and where employers are investing to stay competitive. Here are the most significant findings, grouped by survey. Read on for details.
Life & Health Insurance Advisor – Spring 2026
Medicare in 2026: Big Changes Ahead for Coverage, Costs, and Your Options
If you’re enrolled in Medicare—or helping a parent or spouse manage their coverage—2026 is shaping up to be a year of significant change. From shifting Medicare Advantage benefits to rising Medigap premiums, many of the updates taking effect this year could influence how much you pay, which doctors you can see, and how well your plan fits your needs. Read on for details.
A Smarter Way to Plan for Care: The Rise of Hybrid Life + Long Term Care Policies
If our story “Aging Alone” last time struck a chord, you’re not alone. More Americans are realizing that long term care planning isn’t just about protecting assets—it’s about protecting independence, dignity, and peace of mind. But traditional long term care (LTC) insurance has its challenges: rising premiums, strict underwriting, and the fear of paying for coverage you may never use.Read on for details.
The Rising Cost of Care: Why Supplemental Health Insurance Is Becoming Essential
If you’ve noticed your health insurance deductible creeping higher each year, you’re not imagining it. Across the country, individuals and families are facing rising out of pocket costs—even when they have solid health coverage. That’s why more consumers are turning to supplemental health insurance as a practical way to protect their finances from unexpected medical bills. Read on for details.
How to Save on Prescription Drugs in 2026
Prescription drug costs continue to rise, and many families are feeling the strain. The good news? There are several practical ways to save money—whether you have insurance, Medicare, or a high deductible plan. Here’s a quick guide to the most effective strategies. Read on for details.
Employee Benefits Report – January 2026
Compliance Updates for 2026
As 2025 closes, several pressing compliance issues will shape your responsibilities in 2026. Updated PCORI fees, Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting obligations, state-level mandates, and new federal requirements such as gag clause attestations are all on the horizon. Read on for details.
AI Powered Benefits Solutions: Navigating Rising Costs in 2026
Health benefit costs are projected to rise nearly 9% in 2026, putting significant pressure on employers to balance affordability with employee satisfaction. Against this backdrop, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative tool in the benefits space. By personalizing offerings and automating administration, AI promises to reduce costs while enhancing the employee experience. Read on for details.
Health & Welfare Benefits Year End Roundup: 2025 Regulatory Highlights
As 2025 draws to a close, employers and benefits professionals face a shifting regulatory landscape that will shape health and welfare programs in 2026 and beyond. This year’s developments underscore the government’s dual priorities: expanding access, modernizing benefit delivery, and balancing compliance with practical flexibility. Below is a roundup of the most significant regulatory highlights. Read on for details.
Judicial and Legislative Developments in Employee Benefits: Year End 2025
As 2025 closes, employers face not only regulatory updates but also judicial decisions and legislative shifts that will influence benefit plan design in 2026. Mayer Brown’s year end advisory highlights several developments that deserve attention from plan sponsors and fiduciaries. Read on for details.
Employee Benefits Report – December 2025
Personalization Now a Baseline Expectation in Employee Benefits
In 2025, personalization has moved from “nice to have” to “non-negotiable.” Employees expect benefits that reflect their individual needs, values, and life stages. Static, one-size-fits-all plans are being replaced by flexible, modular offerings that empower employees to choose what matters most. Read on for details.
Fertility, Family Planning, and Parental Leave Are Front and Center
In 2025, family-building support has emerged as a defining priority in employee benefits strategy. Fertility coverage, inclusive parental leave, and caregiving support are no longer niche offerings — they’re central to how employees evaluate workplace value. As life paths diversify and caregiving responsibilities expand, benefits managers are rethinking what it means to support the whole employee. Read on for details.
Retirement Confidence Is Low — and Plan Design Matters
In 2025, retirement readiness remains one of the most quietly urgent concerns among employees. While many workers feel confident about covering short-term expenses, long-term financial security is far less certain. The gap between confidence and clarity is widening — and benefits managers are being called to bridge it. Read on for details.
Wellness Programs Must Prove Their Value
In 2025, wellness programs are under the microscope. Once celebrated as feel-good perks, they’re now expected to deliver measurable impact — not just participation rates. Employers want to know: Are these initiatives improving health outcomes, reducing absenteeism, and lowering healthcare costs? Read on for details.
Employee Benefits Report – November 2025
Compliance Update: Gag Clause Attestations, Contraceptive Coverage Ruling, and SF Ordinance Impacts
As Q4 begins, benefits managers face a trio of compliance developments with implications for plan design, documentation, and year-end filings. Two are federal in scope, while one local ordinance continues to affect employers nationwide. Read on for details.
LIMRA Research: Broker Role Expanding as Strategic Benefits Advisors
New research from LIMRA reveals a significant shift in how employers engage with benefits brokers. Once viewed primarily as transactional intermediaries, brokers are now increasingly relied upon for consultative support—especially in the areas of plan design, cost containment, and digital tools.
Read on for details.
Benefits Administration Update: MLR Rebates, Texas SB 1332, and Year-End Priorities
As the final quarter of 2025 begins, several developments in benefits administration are reshaping how employers manage compliance, coverage, and communications. From rebate distribution rules to state-level legislation, benefits managers should take note of key updates that may affect plan operations and documentation heading into year-end. Read on for details.
Compliance & Coverage Clarifier: Gag Clauses and Contraceptive Rules
As year-end compliance tasks ramp up, two areas of regulatory scrutiny deserve closer attention: gag clause attestations and recent changes to contraceptive coverage exemptions. Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, employer-sponsored health plans must attest by December 31, 2025 that they do not include “gag clauses” in contracts with third-party administrators or provider networks. But what exactly qualifies? Read on for details.
Life & Health Insurance Advisor – Winter 2025
Medicare Drug Coverage Is Changing—Here’s What You Need to Know This Enrollment Season
If you or a loved one relies on prescription medications, the 2026 Medicare Open Enrollment period (Oct. 15–Dec. 7, 2025) brings major updates that could impact your coverage, costs, and choices. From new caps to evolving formularies, here’s how to stay ahead of the curve. Read on for details.
Aging Alone: Why Long-Term Care Planning Matters More Than Ever
More than 16 million Americans over age 55 are aging alone—without a spouse, partner, or adult children to help navigate health challenges, daily tasks, or financial decisions. This “solo retirement” trend is accelerating, and with it comes a critical question: Who will help if you need care? Read on for details.
Never Outlive Your Savings: How Longevity Annuities Can Help
Americans are living longer than ever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average 65-year-old today can expect to live at least another 20 years—six years longer than in 1950. While that’s great news for your golden years, it also raises a critical question: Will your retirement savings last as long as you do? Read on for details.
Traveling Abroad with Medicare: What You Need to Know
If you’re a Medicare recipient planning an international trip, it’s important to understand how your coverage works outside the United States. While Medicare offers excellent protection at home, its international benefits are extremely limited—and that can leave travelers vulnerable to unexpected medical costs. Read on for details.
Employee Benefits Report – October 2025
Mental Health Benefits Go Mainstream: What Employers Need to Know
Once considered a niche offering or a reactive add-on, mental health benefits have now moved to the center of the employee experience. In 2025, nearly half of U.S. employers offer some form of mental health support beyond traditional EAPs—a sharp rise from just 30% in 2023. This shift isn’t just cultural; it’s strategic. Read on for details.
Balancing Benefits Costs with Talent Strategy in 2025
In today’s competitive labor market, benefits managers are walking a tightrope: controlling rising costs while delivering packages that attract and retain top talent. According to SHRM’s 2025 Employee Benefits Survey, this balancing act is now one of the most pressing challenges facing HR leaders. Read on for details.
Supplemental Health Products Surge as Employees Seek Layered Coverage
In a year defined by rising healthcare costs and shifting employee expectations, supplemental health insurance products are experiencing a notable surge. According to LIMRA’s latest workplace benefits sales data, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance sales rose 11% year-over-year through the third quarter of 2024. Read on for details.
CBT: A Strategic Tool for Mental Health Benefits
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a short-term, evidence-based approach that helps individuals identify and reframe negative thought patterns to improve emotional well-being. By focusing on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, CBT empowers employees to manage stress, anxiety, and depression—conditions that account for a significant portion of workplace absenteeism and productivity loss. Read on for details.
Employee Benefits Report – Sepember 2025
SECURE 2.0 Implementation: A New Era in Retirement Planning
The SECURE 2.0 Act, passed in late 2022 and now in active rollout through 2025, is reshaping the landscape of workplace retirement planning. Designed to expand access, modernize plan design, and improve financial preparedness, the law introduces over 90 new provisions—many of which are now surfacing in HR departments across the country. Read on for details.
Putting Health Equity into Practice: SDOH Integration Takes Center Stage
As healthcare costs continue their upward trajectory and disparities remain persistent across employee populations, a new lens is reshaping how employers approach benefits design—Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). From zip code to food access, education to transportation, SDOH factors account for more than 80% of health outcomes. In 2025, savvy employers are turning this challenge into opportunity. Read on for details.
Self-Funding in 2025: Still Strong, But Evolving Fast
Self-funded employee benefit plans continue to be a powerful tool for employers looking to control costs and customize coverage. As we move further into 2025, momentum remains strong. But with rising healthcare expenses and shifting regulatory pressures, both employers and their brokers are being called to rethink and refine their approaches. Read on for details.
Stop-Loss Costs: A Growing Challenge
One of the most pressing issues in self-funding today is the surge in stop-loss premiums. Factors like specialty drug costs, rising chronic condition prevalence, and multi-million-dollar inpatient claims have made risk coverage more expensive and complex.Read on for details.