Aspire survey finds rising health benefit costs, limited action by employers
Health insurance costs are rising for many local employers, yet taking no action was the most common response when businesses were asked how they are managing those costs, according to a survey by Aspire Johnson County, the economic development organization and chamber of commerce serving Johnson County. Aspire surveyed 120 businesses from July 27 through August 6, 2026, to help shape its policy priorities and advocacy efforts.
The finding highlights a difficult choice for employers: how to keep offering a benefit that helps attract and retain workers while making it affordable for their businesses.
In the online survey conducted by Aspire’s Business Advocacy Council, 65% of respondents said they were somewhat or very concerned about the cost of providing employee health benefits over the next two years.
Among company owners and CEOs who responded, 60% reported that their health insurance costs had risen over the past year. Nearly four in 10 reported double digit increases of 11% or more, including 15% who saw increases of at least 20%. Just 4% reported a decrease. When asked about their greatest health care related cost pressure, 83% cited insurance premiums, ahead of employee out-of-pocket costs, prescription drugs and replacing workers lost due to health concerns.
When asked what steps they had taken to control or manage the cost of employee health benefits, company owners and CEOs most often said they had taken none. That was the response from 44% of those surveyed, despite widespread concern about costs. Other respondents reported shopping insurance carriers (22%), modifying their plans (22%) or offering wellness initiatives (9%). Just 9% said they had eliminated coverage.
“Business leaders told us their top challenges to growth include recruiting and retaining workers, cited by 61%, and inflationary pressures, cited by 39%,” said Christian Maslowski, Aspire’s president and CEO. “Health benefits sit at the intersection of those challenges. They are a double-edged sword for employers: coverage helps them compete for talent, but rising costs put pressure on their budgets.”
The survey does not explain why some employers have taken no action to manage those costs, Maslowski said. “We want employers to know they have options. Reviewing their current plan and comparing it with other approaches is a place to start.”
One option Aspire offers its members is access to the ChamberCare insurance program. ChamberCare is a healthcare solution offering small businesses an easier and more cost-effective way to provide health benefits to their employees. Employers interested in exploring whether the program fits their needs can contact Aspire Johnson County.
Respondents represented a range of industries, with finance, manufacturing, professional services and construction among the leading categories. Small businesses had a strong voice, with 63% reporting fewer than 50 employees in Indiana, while 13% reported more than 500.
Aspire will share the findings with elected officials as it advocates on issues affecting Johnson County businesses. The organization will also examine employer health care costs at its October 22 policy summit. Discussions will cover the economics of employer-provided coverage, approaches employers and providers are pursuing to manage costs while serving employees, and how major health care providers are navigating changes in funding and policy.
Details and registration for the October 22 summit are available at https://web.aspirejohnsoncounty.com/events.