– The report, “Medical Cost Trend: Behind the Numbers 2026,” projects the Group medical cost trend to remain at 8.5% in 2026 (the same level as 2025) and the Individual market trend at 7.5%. Pharmacy costs are a particular concern, projected 2.5 points higher than the medical trend. GLP-1s: These weight-loss drugs continue to be a top cost inflator for health plans, projected to account for 0.5% to 1.0% of the estimated medical cost trend for 2026. Federal Policy Shifts Add to Cost PressuresMedical cost trend pressures are intensified by significant changes in federal health policy and regulation, particularly the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” (OBBB/H.R. Call to Action: Creating A Patient-Centric EcosystemThe 2026 medical cost trend signals a need for bold reinvention in healthcare.