CFO Slice

Finance leaders are increasingly under pressure as employer healthcare costs are projected to rise about 9.5% in 2026, the largest increase in at least 15 years. Cava chief financial officer Tricia Tolivar says the restaurant chain already raised employee premiums in 2025 and is now considering self-insuring to gain greater control over costs while maintaining employee benefits. At Costco, CFO Gary Millerchip noted healthcare expenses recently grew faster than company sales, an unusual trend the retailer is monitoring closely. Meanwhile, Ethan Allen CFO Matt McNulty said the company has seen the cost of individual medical claims rise significantly, with some treatments now 15%–25% more expensive than a few years ago. As healthcare spending continues to climb, CFOs are exploring strategies such as self-insurance, tighter vendor negotiations, benefit redesign and cost-sharing with employees to manage the financial impact while still supporting workers’ healthcare coverage.