Despite the surging cost of health care, the majority of employers will not cut employee health benefits, according to the Survey on Health and Benefit Strategies for 2025 from Mercer. Many expect to enhance their programs, although they may do so more selectively than in the past.

"Employers are juggling faster cost growth with the need to offer attractive benefits and keep health care affordable for all employees," said Ed Lehman, Mercer's U.S. health and benefits leader. "That's why it's important they assess their investments in employee health more carefully than ever to create real, long-term value for employees."

More than one-third of large employers will offer a high-performance, narrow-network or other alternative medical plan designed to steer employees to quality, cost-efficient care next year. "To strike a balance between cost containment and ensuring access to high-quality care for their employees, employers are leveraging strategies like high-performance networks and enhanced clinical case management," Lehman said.