Health benefit costs are set to go up again next year due to inflation, rising health care consumption post-2020, and the high cost to retain physicians and nurses in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, among other factors. Benefit advisors, employers, and carriers need smart strategies to continue delivering valuable health benefits to help retain workers while also protecting the bottom line.

Meanwhile, employees have been stretched by years of premium and cost-sharing increases. Research shows that 60% of Americans would have to borrow to cover an unexpected $1,000 expense, yet the average worker with employer-sponsored health insurance has a deductible of $1,644. Those on high deductible plans are even more exposed to the cost of a health issue.

In the hopes of building a world where health hardships don't create financial hardships, we have been interviewing leaders across the industry and collaborating with advisors and employers to find new ways to enhance health benefits in this challenging environment.