As we close out 2022 and look ahead to 2023, there are a number of trends and milestones in the legislative and regulatory arena that have the potential to impact health care costs for employers and employees alike. Without a crystal ball, it's impossible to say exactly what's to come, but we do have a very good idea of a few things that we should be keeping an eye on.

Rate increases will continue across the board

Some experts predict a 10% increase in overall health benefits costs, but that isn't the whole story. Factors like labor costs, Rx, and supply chain issues also have major implications for the 2023 overall health care spend.

Mental health will (again) rise to the top in 2023

Over the past decade, the use of mental health services by the workforce has skyrocketed. With the continuing impacts of COVID and legislation that has required more transparency and tighter regulations, people have both greater access to, and awareness about the importance of, mental health. But finding practitioners for mental health services continues to be an issue, with extended wait times on appointments and rising Rx costs.