Republicans and Democrats on the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee joined Thursday to approve a total of 15 health care bills by voice votes.

The current system weakens the ability of provider networks to control costs, benefits groups say.

Analysts predict more competitive contracts would cut plan sponsors' costs by an average of 6.5%.

"In stop-loss, we're seeing average premium increases in the mid-teens, in some cases, above 20%," William Ziebell, the chief executive officer of Gallagher's employee benefits consulting and brokerage business said.

Experts at the Mercatus Center recently explored the possibility of employer health tax exclusion repeal.

Some insurers and TPAs do simply refuse to provide data, but, much more often, they will put up less obvious barriers, according to one House committee witness.

Tokio Marine HCC predicts the market will continue to tighten in 2027.

Dr. Lorna Friedman, Mercer's global health leader, thinks all organizations should review their pandemic plans on a regular schedule.