Large employers expect an 8% rise in healthcare costs next year, planning to focus on high-quality providers and mental health access.

Large employers anticipate an 8% rise in healthcare costs next year, the highest in a decade, according to the Business Group on Health. To address this, they plan to be more selective about employee care, emphasizing high-quality providers through curated networks. Enhanced mental health access is a priority, recognized for its role in productivity. Additionally, employers will manage the use of costly weight loss medications, ensuring they are prescribed appropriately alongside lifestyle modification programs.