Three Actions Employers Should Take Before 2027

As we begin preparing for 2027, employers are facing continued pressure from rising health care costs. Recent industry surveys project employer-sponsored health plan costs could continue to increase in 2027, making this one of the most challenging benefits environments in recent years.

Renewal season may establish your benefits program for the coming year, but the work of building a successful long-term strategy goes beyond your annual renewal.

Review your benefits utilization data

Most employers carefully review claims costs but spend less time evaluating how employees use available benefits.

• Which benefits are being used most frequently?
• Are there programs with low engagement?
• Are employees using preventive care and wellness resources?
• Are there gaps between the benefits offered and the benefits employees value?

Data-driven decisions often lead to better outcomes and higher plan utilization.

Renewal season is an important milestone, but it shouldn't be the only time benefits strategy is discussed. Employers that regularly evaluate plan performance, workforce needs, and emerging market trends are often better positioned to manage costs and maximize the value of their benefits programs.

A year-round approach creates opportunities to explore alternative solutions, improve employee engagement, and build a long-term strategy that supports both business objectives and employee well-being.

Renewal season may prompt important decisions, but long-term benefits success depends on ongoing evaluation and planning throughout the year.

With health care costs continuing to rise and workforce expectations evolving, benefits planning has become much more than an annual renewal exercise. The most successful employers are taking a year-round approach by evaluating plan performance, monitoring workforce needs, and identifying opportunities to improve outcomes for both employees and the organization.

That's where a strategic benefits partner can make a difference. At Bravera Insurance, we work alongside employers to analyze utilization data, benchmark benefits programs, evaluate funding and plan design options, and develop long-term strategies aligned with organizational goals. Whether the objective is controlling costs, improving employee engagement, supporting recruitment and retention efforts, or enhancing overall benefit value, a proactive approach can help employers navigate change with confidence and identify opportunities that may not be apparent during the renewal process alone.

Renewal season may shape the year ahead, but the planning and decisions made throughout the year help position organizations for success in 2027 and beyond.