02/14/2026
A recent Mercer article outlines three key focus areas for 2027 health benefits planning — and they map directly to where employers can drive real impact today:
1. Tackle cost drivers early
👉 Mercer: “Top strategic priorities for employers, according to our survey, are focusing on high-cost claimants (90%) and measuring performance to ensure health programs provide value (77%).”
✅ CirrusMD virtual primary care reduces unnecessary ER and urgent care use while addressing issues upstream with virtual primary care — before they escalate into higher-cost care.
2. Address affordability to change behavior
👉 Mercer: “6 in 10 patients have skipped or delayed medical care because of the cost. Delays in care can lead to more severe diagnoses and higher costs.”
✅ CirrusMD is fast, low- to no-cost access to a real doctor that removes financial hesitation — driving high utilization, satisfaction, and resolution rates.
3. Enable better access to care
👉 Mercer: "It’s not enough for care to be affordable — it must also be available when needed.”
✅ CirrusMD: 24/7 access to a real doctor in under 60 seconds — right from an app on your phone.
Smart benefits planning isn’t just about cutting costs — it’s about providing the access, affordability and outcomes that drive lower healthcare costs.
As employers kick off their 2027 benefits strategic planning, they face pressure to address health care cost increases and affordability.