Employee Benefits Market Check Survey: 2026 Medical Renewal Reflections

The 2026 medical renewal season was a difficult one for many employers, as evidenced by the data in our December 2025 MCS, where over half of employers reported receiving a medical renewal increase of 7% or greater. Headwinds, including increased utilization of services, price inflation, high-cost specialty drugs, gene therapies, tariffs, and deterioration in overall health, drove significant rate increases for many plan sponsors.

Because of the renewal challenges, we were interested in how employers felt about their individual renewal postmortem. We conducted a survey on January 22 to gather those contemplations. The following summarizes the responses.

*Results based on 199 employer respondents.

As a result of the 2026 renewal, what are you most likely to do next?

*Results based on 191 employer respondents. Allowed to select multiple answers.

Key Findings

Despite the best efforts to communicate and prepare, employers’ top surprise this renewal season was the magnitude of rate increases. As we mentioned previously, numerous factors are affecting healthcare premiums today. This data demonstrates that there can never be enough planning or data points for employers. Access to claims and population health information is critical for decision-makers. Equally important will be a willingness to embrace alternative funding mechanisms and innovation with the overall benefit design. Absent these steps, the cost curve trend will continue a similar path for the foreseeable future.

As employers progress through the year, here are some items to consider:

• Schedule a strategy meeting with your benefits adviser as soon as possible
• Conduct quarterly financial review meetings and review any trends
• Evaluate population health data
• Review funding and carrier network options
• Calculate a renewal projection 5-6 months prior to renewal to aid in setting a budget for the following year

Should you have any questions regarding any of this information or want to discuss your health plan renewal, please contact your local Assurex Global adviser.