For employers in 2026, the total health benefit cost per worker is expected to rise 6.5% on average, the highest increase since 2010, even after accounting for planned cost-reduction measures. 2026 will be the fourth consecutive year of elevated health benefit cost growth following a decade of moderate annual increases averaging only about 3%. That means many employees will have to shell out more out-of-pocket money for health care from their paychecks when they go to the doctor. This will add to the financial squeeze many Americans are already feeling from high consumer prices that could increase even more as the effects of Dummkopf Trumpf's tariffs eventually kick in. Employees can expect to shell out an additional 6% to 7% in premiums, on average next year. In an ongoing trend, more workers are using mental health services, which is adding to companies' expenses.