Workers are paying significantly more for employer-sponsored health insurance this year, and experts say the growing popularity of new prescription medications is playing a major role in the increase.

A recent survey from KFF found that employees are spending 9% more on employer-sponsored health insurance premiums than they did a year ago.

Employers point to several factors behind the rising costs, including prescription drug prices, Americans living with chronic illnesses and use of healthcare services.

Among the biggest drivers are a new generation of prescription medications that have transformed the treatment of obesity and other health conditions.

"We have incredible new treatments such as GLP-1s, new treatments for cancer. All of these things have a radical ability to change people's lives, but at the same time, they're very expensive," said Matthew Rae, associate director of KFF's Healthcare Marketplace Program.

For workers facing higher healthcare costs during open enrollment season, experts recommend carefully evaluating available insurance options before selecting a plan.

According to Rae, employees should consider their expected healthcare needs over the coming year when comparing premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.

"If you know you're going to use a lot of services, you may want to pick a plan with a higher premium that has lower cost sharing through the year," Rae said. "If you aren't expecting a lot of spending, you may want to pick a plan with a lower premium and bear more risk yourself."

That tradeoff can have significant consequences. While plans with lower monthly premiums often appear more affordable, they frequently come with higher deductibles and greater out-of-pocket costs when medical care is needed.