CBIZ Inc. has released its 2026 Benefits & Insurance Market Outlook, offering employers guidance on managing rising healthcare costs, evolving regulations, and changing workforce expectations. The report forecasts a historic 10% increase in healthcare costs per employee in 2026, fueled largely by soaring prescription and specialty drug prices-particularly GLP-1 medications, which have surged 81% in cost since 2023. It also highlights the growing demand for personalized benefits, with 70% of employees reporting that customizable options increase their loyalty. The analysis points to significant regulatory changes ahead, including the SECURE 2.0 Roth catch-up mandate, new tax credits under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and expanded pay transparency laws. Additionally, CBIZ notes a rising adoption of AI and automation in HR operations and expanding risk exposures across commercial insurance, such as cyber threats, supply chain disruptions, and workforce continuity challenges. The Outlook aims to help employers navigate these pressures with clear, actionable strategies.