EBSA said the $1.4 billion returned to plans, participants and beneficiaries represents a slight increase from the $1.384 billion recovered in fiscal year 2024.
Roughly 400,000 to 800,000 U.S. residents might be using cash from individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements or similar arrangements to pay for their health insurance this year.
"If health insurance premiums rise faster than wages and general inflation, small employers are likely to face intensified financial strain..." says Paul Fronstin of the Employee Benefit Research Institute.
Employer plans are facing complications including hefty pharmacy and hospital bills and patients who need a lot of expensive care, the rating agency says.
