Healthcare Cost Projections
| Cost Driver | 2026 Impact | 2030 Projected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty drugs | $500–$2,000 PEPM | $800–$3,000 PEPM |
| Gene therapies | Emerging; limited exposure | Significant; 10–20 approved therapies |
| GLP-1 medications | $200–$500 PEPM for adopters | $400–$1,000 PEPM for adopters |
| Mental health | $80–$120 PEPM | $120–$180 PEPM |
| Chronic disease | $300–$500 PEPM | $400–$600 PEPM |
The Unsustainable Trajectory
Healthcare costs growing at 7–9% annually will double in 8–10 years. An employer spending $15,000 per employee per year in 2026 will spend $30,000 per employee per year by 2034 — if they do nothing. This trajectory is unsustainable for most employers. The employers who thrive will be those who implement advanced cost management strategies that bend the cost curve.
The Advisor Opportunity
IQ Insight
The healthcare cost trajectory creates a massive opportunity for strategic benefits advisors. Employers who are facing 7–9% annual cost increases desperately need advisors who can help them implement cost management strategies. The advisor who can demonstrate measurable cost savings — 10–20% below trend — will be invaluable to their clients and will command premium fees.