Nationwide data is showing significant increases in 2026 health plan premiums for both group/employer plans and the individual plan marketplace.
- Group/Employer Plans – A recent survey of large employers by the Business Group on Health (BGH) revealed that U.S. employers predict a 9% increase in health care costs for 2026. A separate report from Mercer reveals that 2026 is expected to bring the largest premium increase in 15 years. It’s common for employers to receive increases ranging from 10%-15%. Employers credit this increase in part to the high cost and usage of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, more prevalent high-cost treatments, rising incidences of chronic and complex conditions, and an uptick in mental health conditions.
- Individual Marketplace Plans – A new analysis from KFF indicates that insurers in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace have submitted rate filings for a median premium increase of 18% for 2026. In Illinois, it’s even more significant – Blue Cross Blue Shield is proposing a 27% average rate increase while UnitedHealthcare is proposing a 21% increase for 2026. Aetna CVS Health is leaving the Illinois marketplace, while Cigna Healthcare will no longer offer exchange plans in Cook County.
As employers and individual members are starting to work through the 2026 health plan costs, many are considering moving to a plan with higher deductibles and copays to ease the unsustainable financial trajectory. Employco is expected to finalize its 2026 renewal with UnitedHealthcare within the next several weeks.