Exclusive research: Benefit leaders face a pharmacy cost crisis in 2026

By Alyssa Place, This is my expertise
Published 4 Min Read

Bottle of prescription pills
Adobe Stock

  • Key Insight: Learn why employers favor utilization tactics over structural PBM reforms despite rising specialty drug spend.
  • What’s at Stake: Unsustainable specialty medication costs could erode benefits budgets and employee affordability.
  • Supporting Data: 69% include pharmacy in medical plans; only 16% use pass-through PBMs.
  • Source: Bullets generated by AI with editorial review

As employers head into 2026, managing pharmaceutical costs is becoming increasingly complex, driven by a convergence of rising drug prices, increased utilization of specialty medications, and continued friction within the pharmacy supply chain. 

Alyssa Place
Editor-in-chief

Alyssa Place is the editor-in-chief of Employee Benefit News and has been with the team since 2019. Her work covers mental health, DEI, women at work, financial wellness, retirement and workplace … Read full bio


For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.


More From Employee Benefit News

Sign Up Form

Login Modal Form