Employers expect health care costs to increase by 7.7% next year, up from 6.9% in 2024 and 6.5% in 2023. As a result, they are considering different approaches to promote employee wellbeing and hold the line on costs.

"The cost of health care has been rising steadily for years," said Tim Stawicki, chief actuary, health and benefits, for WTW. "With cost increases reaching a post-pandemic high, companies are concerned about the burden it's putting on their workforces, especially since it affects decisions about insurance coverage and care. To tackle high prices and other causes driving increased spending, companies are pursuing initiatives that are beyond cost-shifting."

According to the 2024 Best Practices in Healthcare Survey from WTW, more than half of employers plan to implement programs that will reduce total costs, and just as many intend to adopt plan design and network strategies that steer workers to lower-cost, higher-quality providers and sites of care. Only 34% expect to shift costs to employees through premium contributions, and just 20% will promote account-based health plans or high-deductible health plans.