Employer-sponsored health insurance is in a dire state, according to STAT's ongoing "Out of Pocket, Out of Reach" series. In a recent newsletter, STAT's Bob Herman reports that experts expect 2027 to be even worse than the current year, with recent developments at sizable public-sector employers underscoring how catastrophic the situation has become.
The analysis highlights that list prices matter in the health care system, even as actual negotiated rates often differ. The series has been detailing the financial strain on workers who get insurance through their jobs, and the latest reporting suggests that strain is set to intensify.
Herman's newsletter is part of STAT+ exclusive coverage, meaning the full details are behind a paywall, but the public summary paints a bleak picture for employer-sponsored coverage heading into next year.