Georgians face 9.5% jump in employer health costs by 2027

ATLANTA, Ga. - For Georgians who get health insurance through work, the monthly premium is only one part of the price tag to consider during benefits enrollment.Aon, a benefits consulting firm, projects U.S. employers’ health-care costs will rise 9.5% in 2027, pushing average costs above $19,000 per employee, according to a company news release. The projection is before employers’ cost-management efforts, Aon said.The increased cost pressure could translate into higher employee premiums, deductibles, copays or other changes to coverage.For workers, that makes benefits enrollment a time to compare the total potential cost of each plan — not just the amount deducted from each paycheck.What is driving costsAon said medical spending continues to rise as use of health care services increases, chronic conditions become more prevalent and the number of high-cost claims grows.Prescription drug spending also contributes, Aon said, with growing use of specialty medications and GLP-1 therapies.Wh