: The median premium increase for small group plans in 2026 is 11% , with roughly 10% of plans seeing jumps of 20% or more .

Buying group health insurance is no longer just a basic employee "perk"—as of 2026, it has become a critical strategy for businesses to manage a projected while retaining top talent. For most companies, the annual cost per employee is expected to exceed $18,500 this year. 1. The Financial Landscape for 2026

: Premiums are 100% tax-deductible as a business expense. Utilizing Section 125 plans can further reduce payroll taxes. 2. Current High-Demand Trends