The big picture: Employer health plan costs are spiraling due to structural issues including the ACA's MLR, PBM conflicts of interest, and a broker compensation model that incentivizes higher premiums.

Why it matters: Unchecked health plan cost increases directly impact employer budgets, wage growth, and the overall financial health of the workforce, demanding strategic shifts from HR and benefits leaders.

Between the lines:

• The ACA's MLR requirement (85% spend on claims) is linked to a post-2010