Health Benefit Trends to Watch in 2026
Employers are heading into what may be one of the most challenging years for managing group health costs. The new "Trends to Watch in 2026" report by Business Group on Health (BGH) outlines developments that will shape next year's benefits environment. Rising medical
Health Insurers Slowly Cut Prior Authorizations
Health insurers pledged to overhaul their processes as part of a Trump administration initiative to reduce the volume of prior authorization requirements.
Deciding Which Dental Insurance Plan Is Right for Your Company
Choosing the right dental benefits plan for your employees is always filled with compromises and difficult decisions, no matter if this is the first time you offer a dental plan at your company or you are just revising the benefits
Younger Workers Struggle Most with Choosing Health Plans
The oldest Gen Z workers and youngest Millennials who are just entering the workforce face a steep learning curve when selecting group health coverage and are increasingly turning to apps, the internet and family for advice, according to a new
New Federal Guidance a First Step Towards Fertility Benefits
New federal guidance announced Oct. 16, 2025, could make it easier for companies to add or expand fertility support for workers without having to fold it into their major medical plans. The guidance, a new set of FAQs issued by the
Survey: No Surprises Act Arbitration Hit with Costly Abuse
A new survey from America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is raising alarms about widespread abuse of the federal Independent Dispute Resolution process set up under the No Surprises Act. According to the findings,
Helping Your Employees Find the Right Plan for Them
Studies have found that nine out of 10 employees opt for the same benefits every year and that around a third of workers don't fully understand the group health plan benefits they are enrolled for. Staying in the same plan after
Cancer Care Costs Surge for Group Health Plans
As cancer rates rise among working adults, treatment has become one of the fastest-rising expenses in employer-sponsored health plans, according to a new survey. The survey by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) found that 86% of employers have
Voluntary Benefits Are No Longer Optional
With health insurance costs continuing to climb, many employers are finding that standard medical coverage alone doesn't offer enough financial protection for their staff. Rising deductibles, higher out-of-pocket maximums and the soaring cost of care are pushing workers to look for
Employers Eye Disruptive Changes to Rein in Health Costs
With employers bracing for another steep rise in health care expenses, many are preparing "disruptive" changes, according to a new report. Employers surveyed for the "WTW 2025 Best Practices in Healthcare Survey" said they anticipate their health care costs will increase