Fresh health insights

Healthcare cost trends for 2026

Healthcare costs are rising again, and health insurance providers are feeling the pressure. After a brief slowdown at the start of the year across the macro industry, costs have continued to push higher on the back of inflation, new drug therapies, and pent-up utilization. Most benefits leaders already know the headlines, like trend lines above 7 percent and specialty drug spend surging, but what they need now are answers. Not all of this is beyond your control. Healthcare leaders can consider these broader trends to update their plans. This guide will explain the key trends impacting the industry in more detail, but the foundations of cost-effective plans are increasingly built on prevention, digital access, and value-based partnerships that drive measurable ROI. We've pulled together a high-level overview of the key trends shaping the cost basis of healthcare in 2026 and beyond. Read on to find what you need to know about the reasons for these trends, and the practical steps you can take to stay ahead.

October 10, 2025 • 8 min read

Sword Editorial Team

Expanding pelvic health therapy access

When employers and health plans talk about equity, the focus often falls on mental health, primary care, or chronic disease. Yet one of the most common and costly health challenges for women remains overlooked: pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic health conditions affect 1/3 of women in the United States.¹ The prevalence increases with age, reaching nearly half of postmenopausal women.² Symptoms can include urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, and bowel dysfunction, issues that disrupt daily life, diminish confidence, and impact workplace productivity. Despite the scale of the problem, access to pelvic health care is strikingly limited. On average, women delay seeking help for 6.5 years.³ During that time, symptoms worsen, costs rise, and quality of life declines. In the workplace, this hidden epidemic shows up in absenteeism, presenteeism, rising claims, and turnover of experienced female leaders.

October 10, 2025 • 8 min read

Sword Editorial Team

The rise of virtual pelvic floor therapy

For decades, pelvic floor therapy was one of healthcare’s most underutilized interventions. Millions of women endured conditions like incontinence, prolapse, and chronic pelvic pain without treatment, often because stigma, access barriers, or lack of employer coverage stood in the way. Many were told their symptoms were “normal” after childbirth or aging. Others quietly withdrew from activities at work and home rather than seek help. That era of silence is ending. A powerful convergence of factors including technology innovation, rising demand from employees, and employer cost pressures, is fueling the rapid adoption of virtual pelvic floor therapy. What was once seen as a niche clinical service is now emerging as a cornerstone of leading women’s health care strategies. Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) affect nearly one in three U.S. women during their lifetime,¹ with prevalence climbing to nearly one in two among postmenopausal women.² Symptoms range from urinary leakage and bowel dysfunction to painful intercourse and chronic pelvic pain.

October 10, 2025 • 9 min read

Sword Editorial Team

Do you need a referral for physical therapy?

When you are in pain, getting the right help should be simple. Yet for many people, the rules around physical therapy can be confusing. Do you need a doctor’s referral? What if your insurance or state laws say something different? The good news is that in most cases, you can start physical therapy without waiting for a prescription or referral. But there are a few important things to understand first. This article explains how referral requirements work, what affects access to physical therapy, and how to find the fastest and most affordable path to recovery. First, let's clarify the definition of a physical therapy referral and explain if and when you might need one. A referral (sometimes called a “prescription” for physical therapy) is a written order from a doctor that authorizes a patient to receive PT. Historically, referrals were required before seeing a physical therapist, but this has changed significantly.

October 9, 2025 • 6 min read

Sword Editorial Team

Do most health insurers include physical therapy coverage?

If you are living with pain, you may already know that physical therapy can make a huge difference. But many people have the same question before starting treatment: does my insurance cover it? Whether you are insured through UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield, or covered by an employer or union plan, it can be hard to know exactly what is included. Understanding your benefits is the first step to getting the care you need and avoiding unexpected bills. In addition, physical therapy is not just limited to in-person clinic visits anymore. Digital physical therapy options, like Sword Thrive, allows you to work one-on-one with a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy from home, guided by smart technology that helps you recover faster and more comfortably. This guide explains how major insurers handle PT coverage, what to expect if you are considering digital physical therapy, and how to find out if your plan or a family member’s plan already includes coverage.

October 9, 2025 • 6 min read

Sword Editorial Team

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