Cost-Containment

To maximize the benefits of each class of drugs, this requires thoughtful plan design and careful monitoring to turn potential savings into actual benefits.

Many types of service providers would have to let employers audit them for signs of prescription drug rebate problems.

Roughly 400,000 to 800,000 U.S. residents might be using cash from individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements or similar arrangements to pay for their health insurance this year.

Notably, female GLP-1 users experienced a 47% reduction in hospitalizations for major cardiovascular events; approximately 50% lower incidence of ovarian cancer; and a 14% lower incidence of breast cancer compared to female non-users.

Just three areas -- women's cancers, reproductive health and maternal health – account for 90% of this already limited funding.

2026 will reward employers, brokers, and vendors that embrace flexibility, transparency, and consumer-driven benefits design — and those that help employees make smarter financial decisions in an increasingly complex health care landscape.