Employers should encourage earlier doctor visits, report says

A UnitedHealth/Health Action Council report finds catastrophic medical cases rose nearly 40% from 2020 to 2025 and says employees who engaged with a primary care provider for three years had 27% lower average catastrophic costs.

A new report from UnitedHealth and the Health Action Council examines health care use and costs across generations in the U.S. workforce. It notes the workforce is getting younger and that catastrophic medical events—defined in the report as care exceeding $100,000 in 12 months—have increased. The report connects lower catastrophic costs with earlier and sustained engagement with a primary care provider. Key findings: - Catastrophic care cases rose nearly 40% from 2020 to 2025 across baby boomers, Gen X, millennials and Gen Z. - The report defines catastrophic care as medical costs exceeding $100,000 over a 12-month period. - Among millennials, the share reporting chronic conditions rose from 44% to 47% between 2023 and 2025, while those classified as well declined from 25% to 22%. - Employees who engaged with a primary care provider for at least three years had an average catastrophic case cost 27% lower than members who did not engage, the report says. Summary: The report highlights rising catastrophic costs and earlier onset of chronic conditions among younger workers, which could affect employer health spending. It recommends employers consider supporting early, sustained primary care engagement and tailoring communication across generations. Undetermined at this time.