As benefits leaders consider 2026 renewals and plan ahead for their 2027 strategies, new opportunities are emerging in how organizations approach musculoskeletal (MSK) care. While traditional Centers of Excellence (COE) have focused on surgical interventions, a new approach, non-operative COEs, prioritize conservative treatment and early intervention over surgical treatment. This shift represents a strategic response to mounting cost pressures driven by inappropriate utilization of surgery, and recognizes that many MSK conditions can be effectively managed without surgery.

The MSK Crisis Demanding Immediate Attention

Recent data surrounding MSK care in the U.S. paints a sobering picture. A 2024 article published in Elsevier’s Lancet Regional Health – Americas journal reports MSK diseases are “the leading cause of years lived with disability” and “an increasing health burden and economic cost of $980 billion annually.” The study found that research involving all types of MSK diseases are underfunded, especially neck pain (0.83% funded), low back pain (13.88% funded), and osteoarthritis (35.08% funded).¹

Technology is transforming health care with enhanced data insights, personalized solutions, and simpler tools that help members achieve their health ambitions.

With three out of five Americans saying the health care system is stressful to navigate, technology – AI specifically – is transforming employee plan member experiences.¹ This is important as positive experiences improve outcomes and reduce high-cost services such as avoidable emergency room visits.² Encouragingly, the shift is already underway and Americans are embracing the change, with one in five ready to use generative AI as a doctor’s assistant, and most are willing to use AI to help support routine health care activities, like scheduling appointments, refilling medications and updating contact details.³  

Pelvic floor pain for women can be caused by many factors. Your employees or their family members shouldn’t have to suffer alone.  Learn about the different treatment options and expert recommendations that you can share with your workforce and their loved ones. 

You go running for the first time in months. The next day, your legs are stiff and crazy sore. You volunteer to help your friend move and wake up the next morning with your back a little achy. When it comes to pelvic pain, however, the who-dun-it may not be so obvious. It hurts when you pee — but it’s not the tell-tale sting of a urinary tract infection. Your pelvis feels heavy and achy, but you’re not on your period. Get this: These symptoms could be a muscle thing, too. Just like your thighs and calves, the muscles in your pelvic floor can get tight or inflamed and lead to symptoms that may interfere with everyday life. And just like for other muscles, there are steps you can take to find relief. 

Did you know that women make up 57.6% of the US workforce? As an employer, you can collaborate with your health insurer to support this population through maternal health resources.

For example, mental health is a significant concern when it comes to maternal health, both during pregnancy and afterward. By understanding the full continuum of women’s health in the workplace, employers can empower employees to live healthier lives while also supporting retention efforts.

For a third consecutive year, The NEEBC community gathered to connect and learn about ever-developing innovations making a difference for the workforce.  NEEBC’s January 23^rd sold-out conference – Innovation in Employee Benefits: Changing the Game – provided an exciting window into the future of employee benefits, discussing cutting-edge developments in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in HR, leave management, and health benefits. Here’s a summary of the key topics and insights shared throughout the event.

1. AI-volution in Employee Benefits
Mike Brennan, Partner of HR Digital Transformation Services at Mercer, led an engaging discussion on the transformative impact of AI in the employee benefits space. Brennan outlined how AI can drive productivity and enhance employee value. The future of work, he suggested, will shift from routine tasks (HANDS work) to more strategic thinking (HEADS work) and eventually towards work that fosters human connection (HEARTS work).