Employee-Paid

The U.S. federal government shutdown has been ongoing since October 1.

"By tackling branded pharmas and equitable pricing strategies that have left Americans carrying the financial weight of global drug innovation, the government is helping to relieve a long-standing burden on U.S. consumers and businesses," David Joyner, the CVS chief executive officer, said.

Medical costs are up 6%,, drug costs are up 10%, and there are "no signs this trend will slow," Brown & Brown's CEO says.

The study compared changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) across 23 major metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) to provide a snapshot of short- and long-term inflation trends.

The company sees employers hoping 'co-pay-only' plans and patient advocacy services will cut costs.

Nearly a quarter of women take leave for mental health purposes, and it is the top reason women don’t return to work.