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]