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Mercer predicts that US employee health insurance rates will rise by 6% in the next year.

According to Mercer, a consulting firm, Americans with employer-based insurance will likely see their monthly premiums increase by 6% to 7% between 2026 and 2028 due to the rising costs of specialty drugs and increased use of medical services.

Even after benefit design changes, the cost of employer-sponsored health plans will rise by 6.5% in 2019. Mercer predicted that health plan costs would increase 9% for employers who do not make any changes.

Sunit Patel is chief actuary for Mercer. She said that over half of U.S. companies plan to reduce their health care spending in the coming year because of this increase. Patel cited increased prices for treatments such as cancer and weight loss, and an increase in the use of medical services.

Patel said that the rise of virtual health care - and consumer acceptance - in particular behavioral health, is also changing utilization patterns. It removes geographical barriers and makes it easier for patients to access care.

According to Mercer, the report reveals that companies prioritized managing higher-cost claims as well as assessing the value healthcare programs. Two thirds of employers with more than 500 employees stated that they wanted to make behavioral healthcare more accessible.

Patel said that the general economic inflation as well as higher salaries paid to healthcare professionals, and an increase in non-physician healthcare providers, all contributed to rising healthcare costs.

Mercer surveyed 59% of employers who said they would cut costs more aggressively in 2025, compared to 48% in the previous survey. The changes could range from increasing the employees' share of cost to investing in programs that help members better manage costly conditions.

Beth Umland, director of research at Mercer, explained that some measures may increase the out-of pocket costs for members. These include higher deductibles or a requirement to spend more before members can use their health insurance.

Mercer's survey was conducted between June 11th and August 12th. (Reporting and editing by Amina Nasse)

(source: Reuters)