Private Insurance

Health Care Affordability

BTD Health Policy in 2026

Health Policy in 2026

President and CEO Dr. Drew Altman forecasts eight things to look for in health policy in 2026. “First and foremost,” he writes, “is the role health care affordability will play in the midterms.” And, he notes: “The average cost of a family policy for employers could approach $30,000 and cost sharing and deductibles will rise again after plateauing for several years.”

View all of Drew’s Beyond the Data Columns

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  • 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey

    Report

    This annual survey of employers provides a detailed look at trends in employer-sponsored health coverage, including premiums, worker contributions, cost-sharing provisions, offer rates, and more. This year's report also looks at how employers are approaching coverage of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, including their concerns about utilization and cost.

  • The Semi-Sad Prospects for Controlling Employer Health Care Costs

    From Drew Altman

    In a commentary on KFF’s 27th employer health benefits survey, President and CEO Dr. Drew Altman discusses the obstacles employers face trying to control their health care costs, and the reasons why they’ve never been meaningful supporters of government cost-containment efforts. He predicts that premium increases expected next year could lead to a new wave of higher deductibles and other forms of cost sharing for the 155 million Americans who rely on employer coverage. Read the column here.

  • Examining Short-Term Limited-Duration Health Plans on the Eve of ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment

    Issue Brief

    As Marketplace Open Enrollment nears, policy changes could leave millions of people facing substantially higher premiums and coverage loss, which could lead more consumers to purchase less expensive and less comprehensive coverage through short-term health plans. KFF analyzes short-term health policies sold by nine large insurers in 36 states, examining premiums, cost sharing, covered benefits, and coverage limitations and comparing them to ACA Marketplace plans.

  • How Might Expiring Premium Tax Credits Impact People with HIV?

    Issue Brief

    This issue brief provides an overview of the potential impact not extending enhanced ACA premium tax credits could have on people with HIV and the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. Enhanced credits have improved insurance coverage affordability for millions of people, including those with HIV. People with HIV may be particularly vulnerable, given that they are more likely to have Marketplace plans and many also rely on the federally-funded Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program to help cover plan costs. Loss of coverage and increased costs could lead to disruptions in care for people with HIV which could have serious implications for individual and public health.