STAT+: The crumbling employer-based health insurance system

STAT PlusNewsletterD.C. Diagnosis The crumbling employer-based health insurance system You’re reading STAT’s D.C. Diagnosis newsletter Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By John WilkersonJuly 7, 2026 Washington Correspondent John Wilkerson[email protected]John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07. You’re reading the web edition of D.C. Diagnosis, STAT’s twice-weekly newsletter about the politics and policy of health and medicine. Sign up here to receive it in your inbox on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cody Rhodes, a WWE star and friend of the trans community; and Triple H, former pro wrestler and son-in-law of Education Department Secretary Linda McMahon, helped kick off the return of the presidential fitness test. Send news tips and your favorite wrestling moves to [email protected] or John_Wilkerson.07 on Signal.Advertisement U.S. workers and businesses are getting soaked Today, Bob Herman launched a series on the crumbling employer-based health insurance system. He wrote about it for his Health Care Inc. newsletter, so with his blessing, I’m going to cut-and-paste some of that here. Enjoy. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In FDA, health care costs, Health insurance, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints John Wilkerson Washington Correspondent John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended The Readout July 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Europe will accelerate its review of RevMed’s drug The Readout July 7, 2026 STAT Plus: Compass says depression drug has long-lasting benefits Advertisement Health Care Inc. Newsletter July 7, 2026 STAT Plus: America’s employer health insurance is decaying Out of Pocket, Out of Reach July 7, 2026 STAT Plus: For a Georgia entrepreneur, health coverage has never been affordable Out of Pocket, Out of Reach July 7, 2026 STAT Plus: America’s small businesses are giving up on health insurance Subscriber Picks