Marybeth Gray advises companies to adopt incremental, data-driven strategies to manage rising healthcare costs as spending hits a 15-year high.

Marybeth Gray, SVP of health and welfare consulting at MarshMcLennan Agency, recommends that employers adopt a "baby steps" approach to manage escalating healthcare expenses. A national survey by Mercer indicates that health benefit costs are expected to rise by 6.7% in 2026, marking a 15-year high. This trend has significantly increased pressure on corporate budgets, with one-third of finance chiefs now ranking healthcare costs as a top three operational concern. Gray suggests that organizations begin with an underwriting forensic analysis to identify specific cost drivers before implementing changes. She advises employers to prioritize easy wins in the first year, saving disruptive strategies—such as switching insurance partners—for subsequent years. By building a three-year plan and conducting retrospective ROI analyses, companies can ensure that every modification yields meaningful savings. This methodical approach helps businesses navigate the complexities of rising costs, such as the growing demand for GLP-1 therapies and the management of chronic conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease.

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