Healthcare Costs Bite Deeper into Family Budgets

In 2025, families in the U. S. are feeling the pinch as health insurance premiums hit nearly $27, 000 a year. This is a 6% jump from the previous year, mainly due to the rising costs of prescription drugs, especially those for weight loss. Workers are now paying an average of $6, 850 towards these premiums, while employers cover the rest. The main culprits behind this increase? Prescription drug prices, long-term illnesses, and more frequent use of medical services. Over the past five years, family premiums have gone up by 26%, and early signs point to another increase in 2026 unless employers find ways to cut costs. GLP-1 drugs, like Wegovy and Zepbound, are contributing to the cost surge. These drugs help people lose weight but come with a hefty price tag. Larger companies are feeling the impact, with 36% reporting higher premiums due to these drugs. About 43% of big employers cover these drugs in their largest plans, but 59% say the costs are higher than expected. To manage these costs, employers might start setting conditions for coverage, like requiring weight-loss coaching or nutritional services. Some might even stop covering these drugs altogether. The survey that uncovered these trends polled nearly 1, 862 employers and showed that around 150 million people under 65 get their insurance through their jobs. With these rising costs, it's clear that healthcare is becoming a bigger financial burden for many families.