What PCORI Does
PCORI funds research that compares the effectiveness of different treatments, interventions, and approaches to preventing, diagnosing, treating, and monitoring health conditions. PCORI research is patient-centered — it focuses on outcomes that matter to patients, not just clinical endpoints. PCORI research informs clinical guidelines, coverage decisions, and patient decision-making.
PCORI Research and Employer Benefits
PCORI research can inform employer benefits strategy. For example, PCORI research on the comparative effectiveness of different diabetes management approaches can inform which programs employers should cover. PCORI research on the effectiveness of telehealth can inform telehealth coverage decisions. PCORI research is publicly available at pcori.org.
The PCORI Fee as Investment
IQ Insight
The PCORI fee is a relatively small cost — $3.84 per covered life in 2026. For a plan with 500 covered lives, the annual fee is $1,920. The research funded by PCORI has the potential to significantly improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare — which benefits employers through better clinical guidelines and more effective treatments. The PCORI fee is a small investment in better healthcare.