The latest 2026 Employer Health Care Strategy Survey from Business Group on Health (BGH) is a wake-up call – and an opportunity.
BGH revealed that employers are staring down a projected 9% increase in healthcare costs – a metric confirmed by Mercer’s 2025 National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans. This surge is largely driven by rising pharmacy spend, chronic conditions, and a system that too often prioritizes volume over value. At the same time, BGH says employers are doubling down on what matters most: proven value, smarter navigation, and a more personalized experience for their people.
At Personify Health, we see this moment not as a crisis, but as a catalyst.
The Cost Curve is Steep – But Not Unchangeable
Employers are rightfully concerned about the unsustainable trajectory of healthcare costs. We all should be. Pharmacy spend alone now accounts for nearly a quarter of total costs, according to BGH, with GLP-1s and specialty drugs leading the charge. But cost control doesn’t have to mean care restriction.
Prevention is the most powerful tool we have to bend the cost curve – and Personify Health is dedicated to shifting healthcare from reactive to proactive. By prioritizing early detection, adherence to screening schedules, and timely interventions, our solutions and experts help move members to actions that identify risks before they escalate into costly conditions. This not only leads to healthier outcomes for employees, but also enables employers to address drivers of cost at their source – such as systemic chronic inflammation – protecting both lives and bottom lines.
Navigation Isn’t a Nice-to-Have – It’s a Necessity
The BGH survey shows that 82% of employers want better navigation to high-quality care. That’s not surprising. In a fragmented system, people need a trusted guide – someone who can help them understand their benefits, find top-performing providers, and make informed decisions.
That’s exactly what Personify Health delivers. Our integrated platform combines clinical guidance, behavioral science, and compassionate human support to help members take meaningful steps toward better health. We cover everything from helping members understand bills or prescriptions to referrals to care providers and specialty solutions. An important aspect of our navigation program is steerage, which guides members toward the highest quality care at the most reasonable cost. According to an independent actuarial study certified by the Validation Institute, Personify members in select programs experienced costs that were 23% lower than the market average. Our approach also contributed to 17% lower emergency room costs, with some activity shifted to the more affordable urgent care setting.
Whole-Person Health Is the New Standard
Employers are expanding benefits in mental health, women’s health, and chronic condition management – not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s essential to workforce well-being and productivity.
Through our clinicians and coaches, plus integrated partner ecosystem, we’re proud to support these priorities with solutions that address the full spectrum of health – physical, emotional, social, and financial. From menopause support to cancer care navigation to caregiving needs, we’re helping employers meet their people where they are.
The Path Forward: Bold, Data-Driven, Human-Centered
This year’s BGH survey makes one thing clear: the time to act is now and employers are ready. They’re reevaluating vendors, demanding transparency, and investing in what works.
At Personify Health, we’re not only ready but knee-deep in the trenches making this a reality. Every day, we’re trusted by thousands of employers and millions of members, driving meaningful change and championing a healthcare experience that’s more proactive, integrated, and effective.
Because the future of healthcare isn’t just about managing costs – it’s about empowering people. And that’s a future worth building.
Check out these resources for more insights on how your organization can address soaring health costs