US Employer Healthcare Costs Could Top $19,000 Per Worker in 2027 as Aon Warns of 9.5% Surge - Aon (NYSE:

Aon plc (NYSE:AON) said U.S. employer health care costs are projected to rise 9.5% in 2027, pushing average costs above $19,000 per employee.

The projection would mark the fourth consecutive year of elevated health care cost increases approaching double digits. In a release issued Thursday, Aon said the trend extends one of the most sustained periods of health care inflation employers have faced in decades.

Health Care Costs Keep Rising

Aon said higher medical utilization, the growing prevalence of chronic conditions and an increase in high-cost claims are contributing to the rise in health care spending.

Prescription drug costs are also a significant factor, particularly as employers see greater use of specialty medications and GLP-1 treatments. Aon noted that these therapies are expanding into areas including cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea and chronic kidney disease, while newer oral treatments could broaden access.