The 2025–2026 Aflac WorkForces Report highlights a growing disconnect between employees’ health care costs and their financial preparedness. Nearly half (44%) of U.S. workers say they couldn't afford more than $1,000 in unexpected out-of-pocket medical expenses, while many underestimate the true cost of serious illnesses—72% believe a year of cancer-related expenses would be under $2,000, despite average costs exceeding $40,000. As financial strain increases, more workers are relying on credit cards and retirement savings to cover medical bills. In response, supplemental insurance is increasingly viewed as an essential employee benefit, with 54% strongly agreeing it is a key part of a benefits package and nine in ten workers saying the need for supplemental coverage is growing.

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