Survey Results on 2026 Projected Health Plan Cost Trends

Since cost trend assumptions are one element that underwriters and actuaries use to project future costs for plan sponsors, this survey data is invaluable as you plan your organization’s 2026 healthcare coverage. The survey respondents represent more than 80 percent of the commercially insured and self-insured market.

What the webinar covers

You’ll learn the key findings from the survey:

• 2026 projected trends for medical plans (PPO/POS plans, HMO/EPO plans, HDHPs), outpatient and specialty prescription drugs, dental plans, vision plans and plans covering Medicare-eligible retirees
• The impact of utilization and price inflation for hospital and physician services on medical trends as well as the impact of those trend components on non-specialty and specialty drug trends
• Whether the survey respondents expect tariffs, changes in Medicaid spending and the scaling back of prior authorization to have an impact on 2026 trend projections
• The top five strategies plan sponsors are using this year to manage medical plan costs and the top five strategies they’re using to manage pharmacy costs, including a new AI-based strategy
• Actual allowed health cost trends for 2024 based on respondents’ group health plan experience, valuable information that helps put trend projections in context

The webinar also covers:

• Our insights on additional cost drivers for each category of coverage
• Data on 2024 actual trends from Segal’s health data warehouse, SHAPE (Segal’s Health Analysis of Plan Experience), including how actual medical trends differ by site of service and how mental health is contributing to the increase in healthcare utilization as well as information on the way products like GLP-1 agents are driving prescription drug trends
• Key issues that group health plan sponsors should consider when developing a custom cost-management strategy that maintains high-quality standards and access to healthcare services

Watch the Webinar

Speakers