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As U.S. health care premiums climb—up more than 24% since 2019 and poised to rise again—some employers are absorbing costs to shield workers as paycheck deductions are expected to jump 6%–7% next year. NPR reports the average family premium topped $25,500 last year, with employers paying about $19,200 and workers $6,300, per KFF. Consolidation, pricier drugs such as GLP-1s, and post-pandemic demand are fueling increases. Boston Consulting Group, Zocdoc, and startup Bartesian offer zero-premium options, trading higher employer outlays for recruiting gains and focus, though deductibles and other benefits can vary.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.