STAT+: America’s employer health insurance is decaying

STAT PlusNewsletterHealth Care Inc. Newsletter America’s employer health insurance is decaying You’re reading STAT’s Health Care Inc. newsletter Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Bob HermanJuly 7, 2026 Business of Health Care Reporter Bob Herman[email protected]Bob covers the money in health care, focusing on health insurance and hospitals. His stories delve into Medicare Advantage, opaque prescription drug benefits, and how much executives actually make. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09. This is the online version of STAT’s weekly email newsletter Health Care Inc. Sign up here. Hello to all friends, new and old. We are officially launching a series called Out of Pocket, Out of Reach, which explores the different ways the employer-based health insurance system is crumbling. I want to hear from you: how your job-based coverage is affecting you or your business, whether you love it or hate it, and everything in between. Don’t be shy: [email protected].Advertisement U.S. workers and businesses are getting soaked There’s a very high likelihood that you, dear reader, get your health insurance from your job or the job of a loved one. There’s also a very high likelihood your earnings have suffered over time, quietly behind the scenes. It’s arguably never been worse than now, and it isn’t likely to get better. 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 drug development, government agencies, health care costs, Health insurance, insurance, legal, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Bob Herman Business of Health Care Reporter Bob covers the money in health care, focusing on health insurance and hospitals. His stories delve into Medicare Advantage, opaque prescription drug benefits, and how much executives actually make. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09. Newsletter Unpacking the business — and secretive inner workings — of the U.S. health care industry Recommended The Readout July 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Europe will accelerate its review of RevMed’s drug D.C. Diagnosis July 7, 2026 STAT Plus: The crumbling employer-based health insurance system Advertisement The Readout July 7, 2026 STAT Plus: Compass says depression drug has long-lasting benefits Out of Pocket, Out of Reach July 7, 2026 5 takeaways from STAT’s series on the soaring cost of health insurance Out of Pocket, Out of Reach July 7, 2026 STAT Plus: For a Georgia entrepreneur, health coverage has never been affordable Subscriber Picks