The Thursday Take — Healthcare Is Broken (And Getting Worse)

The average cost of employer coverage just hit $27,000. Why health insurance costs are skyrocketing, what’s driving it, and how it’s impacting every single one of us.

This post was inspired by a new report from independent health policy research organization KFF.

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I’m reimagining where my brand is heading, and I want your take.

So, I put together a quick 2-minute anonymous quiz to understand how you currently experience my work, content, and energy — what resonates, what stands out, and what you want more of.

Your perspective will genuinely help shape the next chapter.

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Health insurance is officially outpacing inflation. (WTF?!?)

The average cost of a family plan through an employer just hit $27,000 in 2025 — a 6% jump from last year and the third straight year of steep increases.

That’s double the rate of inflation.

And, experts say another hike is coming in 2026.

So, what’s driving this surge right now?

• Rising drug, hospital & labor costs

• Market consolidation (fewer players, higher prices)

• A growing burden of chronic illness

• Increased demand for weight-loss drugs (GLP-1s)

• More people needing more care

And, the impact is VERY real…and VERY brutal.

• About 154 million Americans get health coverage through their employers.

• Workers now pay an average of $6,850/year out of pocket for family coverage.

• ACA marketplace premiums could spike up to 30% next year...or even double without government subsidies.

And, I pay $600+/month completely out of pocket for the cheapest bronze plan.

The kind of coverage that’s basically useless.

I don’t even use it.

And, I know I’m not alone.

We’re shelling out thousands of dollars every year into a system that’s reactive, confusing, and increasingly unaffordable with outcomes that don’t match the spend.

Meanwhile, the U.S. spends $4.9 trillion annually on healthcare (nearly 18% of GDP), which is almost double what other wealthy nations spend...

and we still have worse outcomes than many other countries.

As costs rise, more people go uninsured… which only drives premiums higher for everyone else.

And, this is not a short-term blip.

It’s a systemic trend that’s been compounding for decades.

And, the burden isn’t just on employers.

It’s on all of us.

Workers, families, entrepreneurs, small businesses.

We’re reaching a point where healthcare costs are forcing hard choices about compensation, hiring, and personal coverage.

So, I’m very curious: how are rising healthcare costs showing up in your life or business right now?

• Have your premiums gone up this year?

• Has your employer changed coverage options?

• Are you exploring alternatives?

Let’s talk about it in the comments and crowdsource other options. Because this isn’t sustainable.

And, if you have any other questions or comments, don’t hesitate to ask me any time in my weekly Q&A in my paid subscriber channel. If you’re not a paid subscriber, sign up below.

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I’m reimagining where my brand is heading, and I want your take. So, I put together a quick 2-minute anonymous quiz to understand how you currently experience my work and energy right now — what resonates, what stands out, and what you want more of. Your perspective will help shape the next chapter.

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