Top 2026 Benefits Renewal Challenges: GLP-1 Coverage, Contract Disputes & ACA Shifts Explained

How Employers Can Prepare for 2026 Benefits Renewal Risks and Coverage Changes

Why 2026 Renewals Present New Challenges for Employers

This renewal season is bringing fresh challenges for employers and HR teams. Contract disputes, rising drug costs, and shifting federal rules are reshaping how organizations manage their benefits and budgets. To help you stay ahead, Innovo’s Eric Gulko shares a clear, focused discussion on three issues no benefits leader can afford to overlook heading into 2026.

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Understanding Insurance Carrier Contract Disputes and Employee Impact

Carrier and health system conflicts are becoming more common, leaving employers caught in the middle. You’ll hear why these disputes are happening, how they disrupt employee access to care, and what you can do to protect your team during negotiations or provider terminations.

Managing GLP-1 Drug Costs and Coverage Decisions

GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound are reshaping coverage decisions and driving costs higher. We’ll look at how carriers are responding, which strategies can help manage spending, and what questions employers should ask before deciding whether to include these drugs in benefit plans.

How ACA Subsidy Loss Affects Benefits and Premiums

Income changes and policy updates are removing ACA subsidies for many individuals and small groups. That shift is driving premium changes and coverage disruptions. We’ll explain how these trends affect employer plans and what proactive steps teams can take to help affected members.

Expert Insights from Eric Gulko on Staying Prepared for 2026

Walk away with plain-language insights and concrete guidance to support smart, compliant decisions in a volatile benefits environment. This session is for HR, Finance, and Benefits professionals who want to protect their organizations from risk while ensuring employees continue receiving reliable, high-quality care.