Health issues are starting earlier in the workforce

Employer health benefits costs are rising faster than inflation and wage growth, putting continued pressure on employer-sponsored plans. According to KFF’s 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey, per-employee benefit costs increased 6% in 2025, with another 6.5% increase projected for 2026.

New research from the Health Action Council, a nonprofit employer coalition, and UnitedHealthcare show that serious health conditions are appearing earlier in life, particularly among younger employees. The analysis, which analyzed data from more than …