The hidden cause of rising healthcare costs in the public sector

A crisis of cost and access

Healthcare costs are surging — quickly. In 2026, organizations should brace for the biggest increase in healthcare spending in over a decade.¹ And musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions remain one of the top drivers. For public sector organizations, the cost burden is even greater.

While MSK issues affect all workforces, public sector health plans consistently spend more per employee than private sector counterparts—without better outcomes.² That’s because 89% of MSK spending goes toward reactive, high-cost care like imaging, injections, ER visits, and prescription medications, not physical therapy.³

The care members actually need — early access to PT — is often inaccessible. Less than 10% of people use PT in a given year.⁴ The rest face high out-of-pocket costs, long wait times, limited access in rural areas, or the inability to take time off work.

For public sector members, this leads to chronic pain, delays in care, and frustration — driving up overuse of surgery, opioids, and other costly interventions. It’s an unsustainable cycle that’s draining budgets and leaving workers in pain.

Real impact, proven savings

Across hundreds of public sector clients—including 20+ state plans and 150+ cities and counties—Hinge Health is changing how pain is treated. The results:

• 73% average pain reduction with consistent use

• 42% fewer participants start opioids after joining

• 60% reduction in imaging within 3 months

• 73% fewer knee replacements

• $0 out-of-pocket costs for members

• 2.4x ROI, validated by global actuarial firms

Public sector leaders across the country are turning to Hinge Health to lower costs and improve well-being—and their members are responding. We consistently see high demand and strong enrollment across municipalities, state plans, and public universities. To explore how Hinge Health can make an impact for your members and organization, reach out today.