Employers continued to emphasize high-quality care as a way to address conditions driving costs. Many focused on prevention and investing in primary care, quality networks, using value-based design and partnering with clinical solutions rooted in evidence, paired with proven outcomes.

According to the 2026 Employer Health Care Strategy Survey, cancer, musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, cardiac conditions, diabetes and mental health were employers’ top five cost drivers in 2025. In addition to investing in higher quality treatment, employers didn’t lose sight of ways to prevent chronic conditions as an upstream approach to mitigate rising health care costs tied to modifiable risk factors. Throughout the year, we highlighted approaches to address specific conditions through select resources and events:

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Taking Action on Cancer: A Business Group on Health Viewpoint. In this viewpoint, we shared a strategic overview of the cancer care landscape, including emerging trends, considerations and actions for employers.

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Taking Action on Primary Care: A Business Group on Health Viewpoint. This viewpoint highlighted the role of effective primary care models in prevention, chronic condition management and mental health, with actions for employers and industry partners to consider.

Select Convening:

The focus on chronic conditions was a recurring topic during the Asia Pacific, India and EMEA regional meetings convened in 2025. Employers and their partners discussed how to support employees amid the growing prevalence of chronic conditions such as obesity and cancer. Convenings such as these also surfaced ideas for tailoring benefits to meet the specific health needs of women across different regions and cultural expectations.

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In a webinar focused on MSK conditions, we heard an employer case study on a comprehensive approach for MSK support, including offering hybrid care along with a preventive care program and physician-led support, to enhance workforce well-being, improve engagement and reduce costs.

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In an employer-to-employer sharing call, we brought together employers to share their mental health priorities for 2026 and to discuss strategic approaches for sustaining support despite rising costs.

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Exploring Innovation in Preventive Care. We took a fresh look at screening guidelines and testing methods that assist employers in managing rising costs, improving compliance and reducing barriers to access.

Select Convening:

The Evidence-based Benefit Design Committee discussed rising cancer rates among the younger population and showcased evidence-based approaches specifically highlighting lifestyle changes and the elimination of known risk factors to promote long-term health.

Key Insight:

Another employer-to-employer sharing call provided an opportunity for HR/benefit leaders to share how they’re evaluating and implementing weight management strategies as part of broader efforts to balance costs, provide long-term value and grant employees access to popular GLP-1 medications.