Rethinking health benefits: Lessons from 2025 driving change in 2026 and beyond
Tue Feb 03 2026
2025 was a wake-up call for business owners navigating employee health benefits. Premium increases hit harder than expected, and the traditional playbook for offering coverage showed clear signs of strain. It also became the year many businesses discovered a better way, one that restores cost control while giving employees greater choice and flexibility. That solution is the Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA).
[00:57] Why 2025 was a pivotal year for health benefits
[01:47] The one big lesson 2025 taught us about health benefits
[03:19] The importance of cost control
[05:06] The benefits of integration
[06:30] The Medicare surprise
[08:37] An action plan for 2026
This content is based on generally accepted HR practices, is advisory in nature, and does not constitute legal advice or other professional services. ADP does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content. Employers are encouraged to consult with legal counsel for advice regarding their organization's compliance with applicable laws. This content is current as of the published date.
Copyright © 2026 ADP, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The ADP logo, ADP, RUN Powered by ADP, and HR{preneur} are registered trademarks of ADP, Inc. and its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
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2025 was a wake-up call for business owners navigating employee health benefits. Premium increases hit harder than expected, and the traditional playbook for offering coverage showed clear signs of strain. It also became the year many businesses discovered a better way, one that restores cost control while giving employees greater choice and flexibility. That solution is the Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA). [00:57] Why 2025 was a pivotal year for health benefits [01:47] The one big lesson 2025 taught us about health benefits [03:19] The importance of cost control [05:06] The benefits of integration [06:30] The Medicare surprise [08:37] An action plan for 2026 This content is based on generally accepted HR practices, is advisory in nature, and does not constitute legal advice or other professional services. ADP does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content. Employers are encouraged to consult with legal counsel for advice regarding their organization's compliance with applicable laws. This content is current as of the published date. Copyright © 2026 ADP, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The ADP logo, ADP, RUN Powered by ADP, and HR{preneur} are registered trademarks of ADP, Inc. and its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Privacy at ADP