2026 Medical Cost Outlook | VA Benefits Team

PwC’s latest annual analysis forecasts that group health insurance costs will increase by 8.5% in 2026—the third straight year at this elevated trend. This sustained rise means health care expenses are now similar to those seen 15 years ago, after a brief dip post-pandemic. Researchers gathered data from actuaries at 24 major U.S. health plans, … Continued

Health Insurance Terms You Should Know | Virginia Benefits Consultants

Health care terms, medical bills, and forms can be hard to understand. Here are some common health care terms, and what they mean. Allowed Amount This is the maximum payment the plan will pay for a covered health care service.  May also be called “eligible expense,” “payment allowance,” or “negotiated rate.” For example, if you … Continued

Benefits Breakdown Newsletter July 2025 | VA Benefits Consultants

U.S. Prescription Drug Spending Rose 10.2% in 2024 A new report from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists revealed that prescription drug spending in the United States reachednearly $806 billion in 2024, up 10.2% from 2023. The increase was largely driven by the demand for weight loss medications, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs. GLP-1 medications … Continued

Benefits and Me | Virginia Benefits Group

Tips to Save on Health Care Expenses Once again, healthcare costs are expected to rise this year. However, there are ways that you can reduce your spending. Consider these four tips: Brush up on your health plan knowledge. Knowing what your health plan does and doesn’t cover is critical for reducing your spending. Understanding terms … Continued

Benefits Buzz January 2025 | Virginia Benefits Consultants

PCORI Fee Amount Adjusted for 2025 The IRS recently issued Notice 2024-83 to increase the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee amount for plan years ending on or after Oct. 1, 2024, and before Oct. 1, 2025. The updated PCORI fee amount is $3.47 multiplied by the average number of lives covered under the plan. For plan years that … Continued

Benefits Breakdown December 2024 | VA Employee Benefits Group

Mercer Report Projects 5.8% Health Benefits Cost Increase in 2025 U.S. employers estimate health benefit costs will increase by 5.8% in 2025, according to Mercer’s 2024 National Survey of Employer-sponsored Health Plans. This would mark the third consecutive year that the total cost per employee rose more than 5%. The report attributed the higher costs to … Continued

Understand Your Spending Power: What You Can Buy with Your FSA, HSA, or HRA | Virginia Benefits Firm

Medical expense accounts can help you save on all kinds of healthcare costs. Here are some you may not know about yet. HSA, FSA, and HRA can typically be used for: Medical expenses: Doctor visits, surgeries, prescriptions, dental and vision care, and mental health services. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Many OTC medications, including pain relievers, allergy … Continued

Benefits 101: What Is an HDHP? | Virginia Benefits Firm

In today’s world of complex health insurance options, High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) have become increasingly popular. But with a name like “high deductible,” it’s natural to have questions. Let’s break down the basics of HDHPs: What is an HDHP? An HDHP is a health insurance plan with a higher deductible than traditional plans. This … Continued