With healthcare costs set to surge nearly 9–10%, employers need smarter strategies and a proactive broker like RMC Group can make all the difference.

As 2026 approaches, employers across the country are preparing for one of the most challenging benefits years in over a decade. Healthcare costs are expected to surge, and for many organizations, that increase will reach 9% or more, even after adjusting plan designs. Employers are feeling the squeeze from every direction: rising medical costs, expensive new therapies, unpredictable pharmacy trends, and employees who still expect strong, competitive benefits.

Recent industry reports make one thing very clear: cost control will take center stage in 2026. At the same time, employers can’t afford to ignore quality. Employees rely on their benefits more than ever, especially as healthcare needs and expectations continue to evolve. Balancing both sides requires strategy — not shortcuts — and the right broker.

Rising Costs are Reshaping 2026 Benefits Strategies

Industry research shows that employers are preparing for some of the highest cost increases in years. Across multiple surveys and reports:

• Employers are bracing for healthcare cost growth of 9–10% in 2026.
• Many expect overall cost increases even after making plan design changes.
• Cost control has now surpassed talent attraction as employers’ number one benefits priority.
• Organizations worry that without strategic adjustments, per-employee health costs will continue to climb at an unsustainable rate.

These trends are forcing employers to take a closer look at how their plans are structured and whether their current broker or benefits partner is proactively helping them plan for the future.

Why Cost Control Matters More Than Ever

Employers aren’t simply hoping to spend less; they’re trying to spend smarter. Current industry data points to several evolving realities:

1. High-cost specialty drugs and pharmacy inflation - Pharmacy spend continues to grow, driven by specialty medications and new therapies. Employers need strategies that ensure price transparency and effective pharmacy benefit management.

2. Rising provider costs and hospital consolidation - As hospitals merge and provider networks shrink, costs climb. Employers benefit from plan designs that guide employees to high-value, cost-effective care.

3. Increased demand for mental health and preventive care - Employees expect more comprehensive wellness and mental health resources, and while employers recognize the value, these offerings must be implemented strategically to avoid unnecessary cost growth.

4. Shift toward digital health and virtual care - Virtual care solutions continue to expand, offering an opportunity for savings, but only when well-integrated into an employer’s overall plan design.

All of this means that 2026 will require more than passive renewals or surface level plan tweaks. It requires active oversight, consistent evaluation, and partners who come to the table with a real strategy.

How RMC Group Can Help Employers Navigate 2026 and Beyond

At RMC Group, we understand the pressure employers are facing — and we know that the right benefits strategy can protect your bottom line and improve your employees’ experience.

Here’s how we support companies through this challenging benefits landscape:

• Strategic Plan Design and Cost Optimization
  • We evaluate your current plan structure, claims data, pharmacy trends, and employee utilization to identify opportunities for savings without sacrificing coverage.
• Renewal Planning with Real Data, Not Guesswork
  • Most employers don’t get the guidance they need prior to renewal. We ensure you have the right information early, not weeks before your renewal deadline.
• Vendor and Contract Evaluation
  • From stop-loss carriers to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), we help you compare vendors, negotiate competitive pricing, and ensure transparency throughout your plan.
• Employee Communication That Drives Better Decisions
  • When employees understand their benefits, they make smarter healthcare choices, which can reduce unnecessary costs. We help create clear, effective communication tailored to your workforce.
• Tailored Solutions for Small and Mid-Sized Employers
  • You don’t need to be a large corporation to adopt a high-quality benefits strategy. We make cost-efficient plan designs accessible for employers of all sizes.

Above all, we believe employers deserve more than a one-time renewal meeting. They deserve a partner who’s present year-round, monitoring trends, analyzing data, and proactively recommending changes.

Prepare for 2026 With the Right Questions — Start with Our Podcast Episode

Many employers aren’t sure what to ask their broker during renewal season and that can lead to missed savings opportunities or reactive decisions.

To help you prepare, we recorded a podcast that breaks down the most important questions to ask your broker before you sign off on another year of benefits.

Listen here: https://rmcgp.com/rmc-podcasts/ep.-13-health-insurance-myths-that-are-costing-you-money

This episode will help you enter renewal conversations with confidence and a clearer understanding of what to expect in 2026.

Healthcare costs will continue to rise, but how you manage those costs is entirely within your control. Employers who start planning now, and who work with partners committed to strategy and transparency, will be far better positioned in 2026 and beyond.

If you’re ready to evaluate your plan, explore alternative funding, or take a more strategic approach to your benefits, RMC Group is here to help. Contact our office today to speak with a licensed insurance professional at 239-298-8210 or click here to schedule a brief meeting.