Fidelity shows health care costs outpacing inflation

Retirement plans often account for rising grocery prices and higher home insurance premiums, but another expense category may be growing faster than many Americans anticipate. Health care costs have been rising faster than general consumer prices, and projections from Fidelity Investments suggest the gap is widening, not slowing. The firm released its 25th annual Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate in July 2026, with 2026 projections showing a sharp increase over the previous year.