2027 Benchmark Report
Methodology & Data Sources
The 2027 Employer Benefits IQ Employer Benefits Benchmark Report draws on four primary data sources: the EBIQ Benchmark Database (aggregated anonymous tool inputs from platform users), publicly available employer benefits surveys (KFF, IFEBP, RAND), vendor-disclosed pricing and contract data reviewed through EBIQ's PBM and stop-loss analysis tools, and direct employer decision metrics captured through EBIQ's 48 decision-support tools.
Primary Data Sources
EBIQ Benchmark Database
12,000+ employer plan inputsAggregated, anonymized inputs from employers using EBIQ's benchmark analyzer, plan cost estimator, and self-funding readiness tools. All individual employer data is anonymized before aggregation.
KFF Employer Health Benefits Survey
2,000+ employer respondentsAnnual survey of 2,000+ employers on health insurance coverage, costs, and plan design. Used as the primary public benchmark for premium and enrollment data.
IFEBP Benefits Survey
500+ plan sponsor respondentsInternational Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans annual survey data on plan design, cost trends, and employer strategy.
RAND Employer Cost Research
Public datasetRAND Corporation hospital price transparency and employer cost research, including the annual Hospital Price Transparency study.
EBIQ Vendor Intelligence Database
50+ vendor profilesStructured vendor data on 50+ PBMs, TPAs, stop-loss carriers, and healthcare navigation vendors, reviewed and updated quarterly.
Data Integration & Quality
All EBIQ benchmark database inputs are anonymized before aggregation. No individual employer data is identifiable in any published finding. Aggregated statistics require a minimum of 30 data points before publication to prevent reverse-identification.
Public survey data (KFF, IFEBP, RAND) is used as-published, with citations provided. Where EBIQ benchmark data diverges from public survey data, both figures are reported with an explanation of the likely source of divergence (e.g., EBIQ's user base skews toward self-funded employers, while KFF surveys include fully-insured employers).
Vendor data is reviewed quarterly. Vendor profiles are updated based on publicly available information, vendor-disclosed data, and corrections submitted by vendors through EBIQ's vendor correction outreach program. Vendors are notified when their profile is updated.
Limitations & Disclosures
This report reflects data available through December 2026. Employer-reported data is self-reported and subject to recall bias. Vendor data reflects publicly available information and vendor-disclosed data; proprietary pricing may differ. This report is intended for educational and benchmarking purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or benefits advice.
Review & Publication
Reviewed by
Corry Hull
Review date
January 2027
Data year
2026
Edition
2027