New survey shows financial pain for employers and employees with few good options to manage the trend
CHICAGO-Healthcare costs for employer-sponsored health plans are expected to increase by more than 10% in 2010, according to a survey of more than 60 health insurance companies.
Aon Consulting, surveyed plans serving more than 100 million insured individuals.
"While we're seeing a slight decrease in the trend rates, it's still at double digits, and this year, it's compounded by a struggling economy, layoffs and salary freezes or reductions," says Tom Lerche, healthcare practice leader for Aon Consulting.
THREE WAYS TO SHAPE PLANS
Because the spiraling cost trend for the next 12 months is expected to increase 10% or more, plan sponsors are focused on tactics and strategies to reduce medical trend to mid- to low-single digits.
"Given the financial pain on both companies and employees from the recession, employers are re-examining changes in health plan options, plans design, and clinical solutions which may have been rejected in 2008," Lerche says. "In particular, employers are conducting audits to saving money in the short run and designing and implementing wellness strategies for long-term impact."
According to Lerche, there are three ways most plan sponsors may shape their plan offerings for 2010:
Additionally, prescription drug cost increases are expected. The Aon survey projects drug costs will increase 9.3% in 2010, slightly lower than the 9.4% trend rate one year ago.
Briana Contreras, an editor of Managed Healthcare Executive, spoke with Fred Turner, CEO of Curative, in this month’s episode about the challenges middle-class Americans face in dealing with medical debt, exploring the causes behind it and the impact on overall health.
Listen
Bridging the Diversity Gap in Rare Disease Clinical Trials with Harsha Rajasimha of IndoUSrare
November 8th 2023Briana Contreras, an editor with Managed Healthcare Executive, spoke with Harsha Rajasimha, MD, founder and executive chairman of IndoUSrare, in this month's episode of Tuning in to the C-Suite podcast. The conversation was about how the disparity in diversity and ethnicity in rare disease clinical trials in the U.S. has led to gaps in understanding diseases and conditions, jeopardizing universal health, and increasing the economic burden of healthcare.
Listen