Health Benefits In 2025: Family Premiums Rise 6 Percent, Large Employers Increase Coverage Of GLP-1s For Weight Loss

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Employee Benefits
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Employer-sponsored health insurance is a primary source of healthcare coverage in the US.
• Rising healthcare costs and prescription drug prices are significant concerns for employers and employees.
• The landscape of health benefits is evolving with new treatments and cost-sharing strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the trends in health insurance premiums and cost-sharing for covered workers in 2025.
• To assess employer perspectives on employee concerns regarding healthcare affordability.
• To examine the coverage of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss and their impact on employer health benefits.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of national survey data on employer-sponsored health benefits.
• Calculation of average annual premiums, worker contributions, and deductibles.
• Examination of employer-reported data on benefit offerings and cost concerns.

Main Results:

• The average annual premium for family health coverage reached $26,993 in 2025, a 6% increase.
• Workers contributed 16% for single and 26% for family coverage, with average deductibles at $1,886 for single coverage.
• 19% of large firms covered GLP-1 agonists for weight loss, and 45% of employers noted high employee concern about cost-sharing affordability.

Conclusions:

• Rising health insurance premiums and worker cost-sharing remain significant financial burdens.
• Employer concerns about prescription drug costs and employee affordability are prominent.
• The coverage of newer, high-cost medications like GLP-1 agonists presents new challenges for health benefit plans.