Health care costs are projected to rise by 2026, and local experts warn employers may pass those increases onto workers. Some Kern County employees are already seeing higher deductions from their paychecks.
- Health care costs for employers are projected to rise by about 6% between 2025 and 2026, which may lead to higher paycheck deductions for employees.
- Dr. Juanita Webb, a certified human resources professional in Kern County, emphasizes that the majority of health care spending goes toward hospital care, doctor visits, and clinical services.
- Webb advises employers to stay informed and work with insurance brokers now to find the most affordable health care plans.
Employers are bracing for another increase in health care costs, and local experts say that may soon impact workers’ wallets.
Projections show that health care expenses could rise by as much as 6% over the next two years, according to Dr. Juanita Webb, a certified human resources professional in Kern County.
“According to some research, it shows that it’s going to increase about 6% in the 2025–26 years,” Webb said…