Health Plans in 2018 May Cost $14,000 Per Worker

Large employers say the cost of healthcare plans will grow 5 percent next year to an average of more than $14,000 per employee. The increases, reported in a new survey of 148 companies, were attributed largely to expensive specialty drugs and individuals with high medical costs.

According to the survey, employers will shoulder approximately 70 percent of those health costs, leaving employees on the hook for an average of $4,400, through premiums, out-of-pocket costs and contributions to health savings accounts.

The survey found that an ongoing shift toward high-deductible plans will continue, with 40 percent of employers offering one as the only plan option next year—an increase from last year. Nearly all employers—90 percent—will offer at least one high-deductible plan in 2018.

The average deductible in such a plan was $1,500 for an individual and $3,250 for a family, although the employer often contributes to a health savings account that reduces the cost to individuals.

In the employer-sponsored health plan world, the focus is largely on containing costs. Large companies are increasing their use of cheaper telemedicine consults, with nearly all employers offering plans that allow phone and videoconferencing with doctors if it is allowed in their state.

More employers are opening on-site health centers. There’s also a growing push toward health plans that reward employees for activities that result in more efficient care, such as reduced premiums when they actively manage chronic diseases.

Source: Washington Post