Employers are expecting a median 9.2% increase in medical spending next year, according to a new survey. But they’ve underestimated actual cost growth for the past three years.

Many workers are financially vulnerable to unexpected medical expenses despite having access to at least some employer-sponsored benefits, according to new research from the Employee Benefit Research Institute in collaboration with Lincoln Financial. “Our findings suggest that many workers simply do not have the financial cushion to absorb today’s health care costs,” said Bridget Bearden, director ...

Carlos A. grew up in a family on Medicaid, which made healthcare an afterthought since the public insurance is free for low-income enrollees. But when he received a raise two years ago, he found himself earning too much to qualify for the safety net program. And when he browsed Covered California plans, he found that ...

Some four months after the White House inked the last of its expected drug pricing deals with 17 of the industry’s top players, the U.S. government is back for round 2, this time lining up agreements with a host of medium-sized biopharmas under President Trump’s ‘most favored nation’ agenda. Up at the dealmaking table for ...

Average health savings account balances reached a record high of $5,532 in 2024, a new report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute found. More than half of account holders took distributions, and nearly 20% invested HSA funds in non-cash assets. As employees gain experience with their HSA accounts, they are more likely to both contribute ...

Those who take oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, such as Wegovy tablets, are advised not to take the medication with morning coffee or tea. According to FDA prescribing information, Wegovy tablets should be taken on an empty stomach with up to 4 ounces of water — and no other liquids. Patients should wait at least 30 ...