Trends: 2026 Benefits Renewals

We’re starting to see renewal trends for 2026 benefit plans, and many employers are reporting significant increases. We’re gathering more detailed insights and coordinating with brokers to better understand what’s driving these changes and how to plan ahead strategically.

Here’s what we’re hearing so far:

• Renewals as high as 65% in some cases.

• More commonly, increases in the 20–38% range.

• Some groups have successfully negotiated down (e.g., 38% to 13%) by agreeing not to shop with other carriers.

• Carrier switches can bring increases down to 12%, but sometimes with narrower networks that impact provider access and prescriptions.

• Increases are mainly affecting medical - dental and vision have generally remained flat.

• We are hearing the next two years are expected to continue at these high increases.

What we are doing about it:

• Monitoring our renewals closely and learning from each other the biggest drivers in increases and decreases in plan cost. 

• Evaluating different options such as different broker partners, or even PEOs if we can find more advantageous options.

• Learning about creative alternative group health options like consortiums and group captives. 

• Monitoring plan performance throughout the year with level funded and self funded plans to support behavior change from employees to keep costs low. 

• Getting creative with plan design to influence employee selections, tax benefits, and behaviors. 

We’ll continue monitoring trends and we can discuss your specific plan next time we meet or let us know if you'd like to schedule a separate connect to review potential strategies.