5 takeaways from STAT’s series on the soaring cost of health insurance
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By
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Bob Herman
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July 7, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Key Insights from STAT's Analysis of Rising Health Insurance Costs
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Rising Health Insurance Costs |
| Key Mechanisms | Increased premiums and out-of-pocket costs, particularly for small businesses. |
| Target Population | Workers and families relying on employer-based health insurance. |
| Care Setting | Employer-based health insurance landscape in the U.S. |
Key Highlights
- Less than 60% of small firms offer health insurance, an all-time low.
- Deductibles at small firms are over 50% higher than at larger companies.
- Health insurance premiums have risen from $132.5 billion in 1987 to over $1.4 trillion in 2024.
- Half of ACA marketplace buyers are from small businesses or self-employed.
- Enhanced subsidies for ACA plans were not renewed, increasing costs.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Management
Monitoring & Follow-up
Risks
Patient & Prescribing Data
Individuals and families obtaining health insurance through employers.
Increased reliance on ACA plans due to rising costs of employer-based insurance.
Clinical Best Practices
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