November 2022 Volume 20, Number 11 | |||||
Rising Healthcare Costs Compel Employers to Prioritize Plan AffordabilityAs healthcare benefits costs continue to rise, 67% of U.S. employers are focused on cost control over the next three years. This is in response to an expected 6% increase in healthcare costs in 2023, compared to the average 5% increase this year.
According to the 2022 Best Practices in Health Care Survey by consultancy WTW, 54% of respondents expect their costs to be over budget this year. The survey was conducted among 445 U.S. employers employing 8.2 million workers.
Increasing Health Plan Budgets More employers are choosing to increase their health plan budgets without cutting funds from other benefits or reducing employee pay. 20% have already taken this step, and an additional 30% plan to do so in the next two years. This trend may be attributed to a growing awareness of the importance of employee health and well-being, as well as increasing healthcare costs. Providing Defined Contribution Plans
Employers are increasingly turning to defined contribution plans where each employee receives a specific amount based on their job tier within the company. Evaluating Employee Contribution as a Percentage of Income The use of employee health contributions as a factor in designing the benefits strategy is expected to increase dramatically in the next two years. Currently, 13% of employers consider this metric, but this number is predicted to jump to 32%. Implementing Contribution Banding Many employers are turning to contribution banding as a way to lower benefits costs for specific groups of employees or job classes. Approximately 28% of employers currently use this method, and an additional 13% are considering implementing it within the next two years. Offering Low-Deductible Plans A low-deductible plan, with a deductible of $500 or less for single coverage through a preferred provider organization, was offered by 32% of surveyed organizations this year. Another 7% are considering offering such a plan in the next two years. This plan can provide employees more immediate and affordable access to healthcare services. As a result, it could improve overall employee health and reduce long-term healthcare costs for the company. Battling Fraud, Waste, and Abuse The WTW survey found that 27% of respondents currently have programs to combat fraud, waste, and abuse. Another 22% plan to implement such programs within the next two years. While sometimes expensive and time-consuming, these measures can help organizations detect and prevent financial wrongdoing and protect against related legal repercussions. Increasing Out-of-Pocket Costs Currently, 23% of companies have increased out-of-pocket costs if less efficient services or locations are used, such as nonpreferred labs or expensive imaging facilities. Offering Concierge Navigation As more companies prioritize employee wellness and health benefits, many are opting for concierge navigation services. Currently, 21% of companies offer this option to employees, even if they had to move to a third-party administrator from a traditional full-service health plan. Another 25% intend to follow suit by 2024. Improving Voluntary Benefits According to the survey, 35% of companies expanded or improved their offering of voluntary benefits, such as supplemental health insurance, for employees. Another 27% are considering doing so in the next two years. |
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This Just In ... New Legislation for Reducing Premature Retirement Savings Cashouts Rising Healthcare Costs Compel Employers to Prioritize Plan Affordability What to Consider When Choosing a Health Benefits Account Inflation Reduction Act (IRA): Healthcare Provisions Employers Should Know Hearing Health Should Be Top Priority
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