Healthcare costs are rising faster in 2026 than most employers expected. Mid-year projections from national carriers show medical trend running between 6.5% and 10%, driven by higher inpatient costs, increased specialty-drug use, and a sharp rise in GLP-1 prescriptions. Many employers are already feeling pressure on their budgets. The good news is that there are still practical steps employers can take before fall to stabilize costs and prepare for 2027. [August 2026, 656 word article]