UHC: State of Employer Health Spend for 2027 (Infographic)

Employer health care costs are facing continued pressure, with the medical cost trend for 2027 expected to reach 9%, the highest level in 17 years. Key drivers include specialty medications, behavioral health utilization, high-cost claims, chronic conditions and provider reimbursement.

According to UnitedHealthcare, specialty medications now account for 55% of total pharmacy benefit spend despite representing less than 2% of utilization, highlighting just one of the challenges employers face as they work to keep benefits affordable and competitive.

View the UnitedHealthcare infographic for more insights into the factors driving employer health care costs and strategies to help manage them.