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Health Insurance in 2026:

Why healthcare costs are rising and what employers like you are doing right now to get ahead of it

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April 16th, 2026

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Introductions

  • Bryce Burget - Director, Business Development – Health and Benefits, WTW
  • Ben Puetz - Colorado Market Leader – Health and Benefits, WTW
  • Drew Sanders, City Manager – City of Cortez
  • John Jackson, City Manager – City of Greenwood Village

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Agenda

  1. Where we’ve been and why trend is accelerating
  2. How employers are responding today
  3. What strategies can move the needle
  4. Round Table Discussion

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Employer Health Insurance Landscape

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2026: Highest trend in 20 years

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Healthcare Purchasing Methods

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Getting ahead of the curve

What are employers doing today to get ahead of rising healthcare costs?

  • Innovative funding methods – Pooling and Self Funding leading the way
  • Implementing Cost Transparency tools
  • Condition Curated Solutions
  • Health Centers/Direct Primary Care
  • Alternative Plan Designs coupled with High Performing networks

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Cost and Quality Containment Strategies

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UHC Select Network

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Round Table Discussion

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  • What’s working to manage your healthcare costs?
  • What are you considering next?
  • How do you help employees understand their benefits?

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THANK

YOU

- Colorado Employee Benefit Trust -