Navigating Employer Health Care Trends and Actions for 2026
Webinar date: Monday, March 23, 2026
Live (1 hour)
Guest speakers: Dr. Michael Kobernick, M.D., senior medical director, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Jugerta Merruko, Director of customer consulting, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Master Class Purpose
Master Class enables Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to demonstrate our thought leadership on issues related to health care, health insurance and related topics, which affect our customers and members. It isn’t a sales pitch. While we can point to Blue Cross solutions and products as examples of challenges employers are facing as outlined in the webinar, they shouldn’t be the primary focus of the Master Class. Remember, we’re sharing key insights and data to help employers see the value we bring as a health care provider.
Session Description
Join this discussion to learn more on employer health care trends shaping 2026 to address rising costs that affect you and your employees.
Join us on Monday, March 23 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern time as we discuss:
1. Cost pressure and affordability: Rising health care costs continue to put pressure on employers and employees, driving the need for strategies that manage affordability while maintaining access to quality care.
2. Behavioral health access: Employers are recognizing the importance of offering comprehensive behavioral health benefits to support mental health and well-being, while implementing initiatives that increase awareness, reduce stigma and encourage employees to seek care.
3. Plan design and benefit options: Plan designs are evolving to offer a range of benefit options that align with employee needs and expanding deductible plans to a very high-deductible plan, shifting more cost to consumers and limiting benefits.
4. Employee perspectives: Health care costs are rising exponentially and limiting the ability to get care, and employers are focusing on value and affordability driven strategies to ensure employees can access the care they need without compromising long-term sustainability.
This course is certified by the Human Resources Certification Institute for continuing education credit. This activity has been approved for 1 HR recertification credit hour through HR Certification Institute®.
This program is valid for 1 PDC credit for the SHRM-CPSM or SHRM-SCPSM
REGISTER HERE