Employer priorities around health benefits have effectively reversed in just four years, according to Lockton’s 2026 National Benefits Survey. As the accompanying graph shows, attracting and retaining talent was more important than cost in 2022, 43% to 20%. Now in 2026, cost has surged to 54%, while talent has fallen to 19% — with much of that shift occurring in the past year.
Even as cost pressures intensify, employers remain mindful of how benefit changes affect their workforce: 81% say employee impact is a primary consideration when evaluating plan changes. Among the strategies employers are using:
- 39% use narrow or high-performing provider networks.
- 23% apply a spousal surcharge to help share costs.
- 7% use alternate Rx sourcing as part of their pharmacy strategy, while another 46% are considering it.
- 30% offer programs to manage chronic conditions that may lead to high-cost claims.
MedBen offers a variety of proven ways to address these and other cost concerns. We created a Self-funded Solutions Checklist that you are welcome to download.
For additional information about these cost-reducing strategies, see our 2026 Client Report — then talk to your broker or contact MedBen Marketing.