Health-Care Cost Increases Are Returning to Pre-Pandemic Levels

Health benefit costs are expected to increase by more than 5% in both 2021 and 2022, employee benefits advisory firm Willis Towers Watson reported Wednesday.

The Willis Towers Watson 2021 Best Practices in Health Care Survey of 378 U.S. companies employing 5.9 million workers, conducted in June and July, found that achieving affordable costs was a key priority for 90% of respondents.

Achieving affordable costs for employees—especially lower wage employees—was a top priority for 86%, the survey found.

As employers look at programs that support diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, making costs ...