Core Insights - The 2026 Benefits & Insurance Market Outlook by CBIZ aims to assist employers in navigating increasing healthcare costs and rising employee expectations [1][2][3] Group 1: Healthcare Costs - Projected healthcare costs are expected to increase by 10% per employee in 2026, primarily due to soaring prescription and specialty drug expenses, particularly GLP-1 medications, which have surged by 81% since 2023 [5] Group 2: Employee Expectations - 70% of employees believe that customizable benefits enhance loyalty, creating pressure on employers to provide more flexible and tailored total rewards to remain competitive [5] Group 3: Regulatory Changes - Significant regulatory shifts are anticipated in 2026, including the SECURE 2.0 Roth catch-up mandate for high-earning employees, new tax credits under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), and the expansion of pay transparency laws, which will require employers to adapt to compliance changes [5] Group 4: Technology in HR - Organizations are increasingly utilizing automation to improve HR operations, including recruiting, onboarding, payroll, and benefits administration, highlighting the growing need for robust AI governance [5] Group 5: Risk Management - Companies must prepare for an expansion of risk exposures across commercial insurance, including natural disasters, cyber threats, social inflation, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical instability, and workforce continuity challenges [5]

Core Insights - Rising healthcare costs are attributed to inflation, increased prescription drug use, and new therapies, necessitating significant financial planning for healthcare [1] - The "Big Beautiful Bill" is expected to increase health insurance premiums for ACA plans by an average of 75% starting in 2026, as enhanced premium credits will effectively end [3] Group 1: Impact of Legislation - The "Big Beautiful Bill" could lead to higher premiums for ACA marketplace plans, affecting many individuals [2][3] - Enhanced ACA premium credits, which have been in place since 2021, will be terminated due to the new legislation [3] Group 2: Personal Financial Planning - Individuals are advised to review their ACA coverage and prepare for the upcoming premium increases [5] - Open enrollment season is an opportunity for individuals to consider high-deductible plans, which may offer lower monthly premiums [5][6] - Those in good health with substantial emergency savings may benefit from high-deductible health insurance plans [6] Group 3: Broader Implications - Changes in employment status, such as layoffs or starting a business, could necessitate a shift to ACA marketplace plans [4] - Young adults aging out of their parents' insurance plans will need to seek their own coverage soon [4]