Fresh health insights

What is the cost of physical therapy?

If you are living with pain or recovering from an injury, you already know how much it can disrupt daily life. Physical therapy (PT) is one of the most effective ways to get back to normal movement, but for many people, the cost becomes a barrier. Take Jamal, for example. After spraining his ankle, his doctor recommended physical therapy. His insurance covered part of the cost, but each session still required a copay. By the end of treatment, Jamal had spent nearly $1,200 out of pocket. Without insurance, that number would have been much higher. Like Jamal, millions of people wonder: how much does physical therapy really cost, and what are my options if I can’t afford it?

October 9, 2025 • 8 min read

Sword Editorial Team

Understanding Medicare and Medicaid physical therapy coverage

Before diving into what Medicare and Medicaid cover for physical therapy (PT), it is important to understand your options. Many people do not realize that they may already have access to physical therapy through their employer, union, or health plan, often at no out-of-pocket cost. Many people who qualify for Medicare or Medicaid may also have other health benefits through an employer, union, retiree plan, or family member’s coverage. These secondary plans can include digital musculoskeletal (MSK) programs like Sword Thrive at little or no cost. Checking all available coverage options, including through a spouse or family member’s plan, ensures you do not miss care that could already be included for you. Whether you rely on Medicare, Medicaid, or another insurer, this guide explains what coverage typically includes and how to make the most of your benefits.

October 9, 2025 • 8 min read

Sword Editorial Team

How to reduce employer healthcare expenses

Healthcare expenses are one of the most pressing challenges for employers today. Premiums, claims, and hidden productivity losses add up quickly, and the numbers keep climbing. In 2024, family premiums for employer-sponsored coverage rose 7 percent to $25,572 on average, outpacing wage growth for yet another year.¹ For benefits leaders, this creates a difficult balance: protecting the bottom line while providing meaningful coverage for employees. Shifting more costs to employees may relieve short-term pressure, but it often backfires. When employees delay or skip care, expenses resurface in the form of higher claims, lower satisfaction, and greater turnover. The good news is that not all healthcare expenses are beyond your control. By focusing on preventative, high-value care and choosing vendor partners who guarantee results, employers can reduce spend while improving the health and experience of their people. Musculoskeletal (MSK) care is one of the clearest examples.

October 3, 2025 • 6 min read

Sword Editorial Team

How to reduce healthcare costs: 7 proven strategies for employers

Healthcare costs are climbing, and employers are feeling the strain. In 2024, average family premiums in employer-sponsored plans rose 7 percent to $25,572.¹ Behind those numbers are familiar cost drivers: chronic disease, specialty drugs, rising utilization, inefficient care delivery, and hidden but preventable MSK claims.² The good news: the trend is not inevitable. With the right plan design and vendor partnerships, employers can lower spend while improving outcomes and employee experience. This guide lays out seven proven strategies that reduce costs without cutting benefits. From smarter plan design to digital-first MSK care, you’ll see practical ways to optimize benefits, improve employee health, and get more value from every dollar spent.

October 3, 2025 • 9 min read

Sword Editorial Team

The cost of digital physical therapy vs traditional PT

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are one of the most costly categories in employer-sponsored healthcare plans, often topping claims lists year after year. Physical therapy is a recommended first-line treatment for most MSK issues, but not all physical therapy is created equal. As healthcare costs continue to rise, employers are under more and more pressure to lower healthcare spend while still improving healthcare outcomes and satisfaction levels for their employees. The balancing act can feel like a huge challenge, but thankfully more innovative and effective alternatives to traditional healthcare are emerging to solve this problem. Specifically, for MSK healthcare, the delivery model of physical therapy makes a major difference. This guide breaks down the true cost of traditional physical therapy in comparison with the costs of digital PT. You will get an understanding of what to expect and how to design an MSK plan to significantly improve both healthcare outcomes and ROI.

October 3, 2025 • 8 min read

Sword Editorial Team

Why employer health insurance costs are rising

Employer-sponsored health insurance has long been a cornerstone of U.S. healthcare. But for many employers, costs are climbing faster than ever. In recent years, premiums have surged, deductibles have grown, and benefit teams are left grappling with how to sustain competitive coverage without sinking their budgets. This article explores what’s behind the spike in employer healthcare spending, how musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions contribute disproportionately to the problem, and what practical steps benefits leaders can take to cut healthcare costs without sacrificing quality of care. Employer healthcare spending is reaching historic highs. The average employer-sponsored family health insurance premium surpassed $24,000 in 2024, with employers covering roughly $17,000 of that cost and employees responsible for the rest¹.

October 3, 2025 • 10 min read

Sword Editorial Team

Group health insurance costs: what employers should expect in 2026

Group health insurance is one of the largest expenses for U.S. employers, and it is only getting more expensive. In 2026, premiums and overall plan costs are projected to climb again1. This puts leaders in a difficult position. How can you manage spend without cutting the very benefits that employees rely on? The reality is that healthcare costs will continue to rise, but the way you respond can make the difference between unsustainable budgets and a benefits strategy that works for both your company and your people. The average annual premium for employer-sponsored health insurance is expected to surpass $9,500 for individual coverage and $23,000 for family coverage in 2025, with the rising trend expected to continue into 2026.¹ Employers typically cover 70 to 80 percent of these costs, while employees pay the rest through payroll deductions.

October 3, 2025 • 8 min read

Sword Editorial Team