Some definitive data is starting to come in on rate trends for 2008 and 2009.
The Kaiser Family Foundation just came out with its 2008 figures, estimating that health insurance premiums will rise just 5% for the year. Kaiser also notes that many workers faced higher deductibles in 2008, driven in part by the growth of consumer-directed health care plans.
As for 2009, Towers Perrin said that employer healthcare costs are expected to rise about 6%, with employee costs up between 7% and 10%. Both the Kaiser and Towers Perrin figures are based on surveys of employers.
One striking observation made by Towers is the variation among companies. The most effective companies at controlling costs (which Towers labels high performers) “spend almost $1,500 less per employee overall,” Towers said. About $350 of that savings is shared with employees in the form of lower contributions, Towers added.
Furthermore, Towers said, 42% of high performers are expected to see healthcare cost rise 3% or less in 2009. Towers’ conclusion: ”A variety of health-focused management techniques…are paying off in significant ways—and point toward broader solutions to the cost crisis.”
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