Benefits Costs Are
Surging. The Rules
Just Changed.
Health care costs are projected to jump 6.5–10% in 2026. GLP-1 prescriptions tripled. A massive new law rewrote FSAs, tax credits, and dependent care overnight. If you’re still running last year’s playbook, you’re already behind.
Four Forces Reshaping Benefits in 2026
New federal laws. Skyrocketing drug costs. AI reshaping HR. State-by-state leave mandates. Here’s what’s driving the chaos — swipe to explore.
GLP-1s Tripled Since 2020 — at $1,000/Month
12% of Americans have used a GLP-1 for weight loss. Another 14% want to. Only 19% of mid-size employers cover them. Add coverage and costs spike. Don’t, and you lose talent.
New Law Rewrites FSAs, Tax Credits & Dependent Care
The OBBBA raised FSA limits to $7,500, boosted child care credits from $150K to $500K, created “Trump Accounts” for kids, and made telehealth HSA relief permanent.
2 in 3 Employers Expanding Fertility Benefits
IVF costs up to $30,000 per cycle. California just joined 20+ states mandating fertility coverage. New federal guidance lets you offer standalone fertility benefits outside your health plan.
AI Runs 40% of Benefits Admin — and Cut 1M+ Jobs
40% of HR leaders use AI for benefits. But 60% of firms see minimal ROI. McKinsey says 30% of work could be automated by 2030. AI in HR is inevitable — getting it right is not.
Student Loan Help Is Now Permanent — and Tax-Free
30% of U.S. adults hold student debt. The OBBBA made $5,250/year in employer student loan repayment permanently tax-free. Plus, SECURE 2.0 lets employers match 401(k) contributions on student loan payments. It’s a recruiting weapon most companies still aren’t using.
GLP-1 Prescriptions Tripled. Coverage Decisions Can’t Wait. What’s Your Plan?
Our report breaks down the cost impact of covering (or not) GLP-1 drugs, plus 8 other forces reshaping what you’ll pay for benefits in 2026.
See the Full Breakdown ↓What’s Actually Making Benefits More Expensive
Three forces are colliding to push costs up: drugs, demographics, and disease. Switch views to explore the data.
GLP-1 Coverage (200+ Employees)
GLP-1 Coverage (5,000+ Employees)
HR Leaders Using AI for Benefits Admin
AI Usage in HR Processes (All Orgs)
Orgs Offering Fertility Services
Orgs Offering Menopause Support
Health Care Cost Drivers — Relative Impact on Premiums
Sources: KFF, CMS, American Hospital Association
2026 Compliance Checklist — Key Dates & Changes
Every deadline, new rule, and plan doc update you need before year-end.
| Topic | Change | Effective | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACA Reporting | Simplified statement relief — website notice required | Mar 2, 2026 | ⚠️ Action |
| Dependent Care FSA | Annual limit raised to $7,500 | Jan 1, 2026 | ✅ Update |
| Telehealth + HSA | HDHP telehealth relief made permanent | Retroactive | ✅ Done |
| Trump Accounts | New employer savings accounts for children | 2026 | ⚠️ New |
| Child Care Credit | Max credit: $150K → $500K; rate: 25% → 40% | 2026 Tax Year | ✅ Update |
| Mental Health Parity | Stricter NQTL enforcement + outcomes data | Ongoing | 🔴 High |
| HIPAA Privacy | Reproductive health privacy rule invalidated | June 2025 | ⚠️ Monitor |
| HIPAA Security | Proposed updates to strengthen cybersecurity | TBD 2026 | ⚠️ Pending |
| Student Loan Benefits | $5,250/yr tax-free — now permanent | Permanent | ✅ Offer |
| 401(k) Loan Match | Match on qualified student loan payments | Plan Years 2025+ | ✅ Offer |
| Fertility Mandates | CA + 20 states mandate coverage incl. IVF | Varies | ⚠️ Action |
| Paid Leave (State) | ∼Half of states with PSL or PFML programs | Ongoing | 🔴 Track |
Your Benefits Dollar in 2026
What’s Driving Costs Up
Top forces pushing employer premiums higher
Wellness Spending by Generation
Who’s driving demand for benefits (McKinsey)
Half of States Now Mandate Paid Leave. Is Your Multi-State Compliance at Risk?
Leave laws are expanding faster than most HR teams can track. New qualifying reasons, broader family definitions, FMLA conflicts. The full report maps it all.
Get the Full Report →What’s Inside the Full Report
A taste of the 30-page report. Download to get every compliance deadline, cost strategy, and action item.
Costs Could Jump 10%. Here’s Where to Cut Without Hurting Employees.
Specialty pharmacy management, chronic disease prevention, site-of-care optimization. The report gives you a concrete playbook for each strategy.
The OBBBA Changed Everything. Here’s Your Plan Document Checklist.
FSA limits, Trump Accounts, telehealth HSA relief, child care credits — every update and deadline in one place with sample language…
Student Loan Help Is Now Permanent & Tax-Free. Here’s How to Set It Up.
$5,250/year tax-free. Plus new 401(k) matching on student loan payments. Implementation timelines, IRS guidance, nondiscrimination testing…
Get the Full
2026 Benefits Outlook.
30 pages covering compliance deadlines, cost strategies, new laws, fertility mandates, leave expansion, AI in HR, and clear action items for open enrollment.
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