Dive Brief:
- A survey of 136 large corporations by the National Business Group on Health found that employers are preparing for an increase in healthcare costs by making changes to their benefit plans. The main approach planned to help defray costs is shifting more of the responsibility for cost onto employees.
- 73% of employers are adding tools to prompt individuals to be better consumers; 57% will create or broaden high-deductible health plans (nearly one-third will offer that as their only option) and more than half will implement or expand incentives for wellness programs. A small number of employers are also considering using private exchanges.
- Narrow provider networks are only being implemented in about one-quarter of large employer plans. Even fewer, only 13%, will use incentives for employees to use a narrow network.
Dive Insight:
Employers still play a large role in the health insurance industry in this country—they cover nearly 50% of people under the age of 65—and it is clear that companies' focus is moving toward more consumer-directed plans. Hospitals and other providers should be able to take advantage of this potential by working in concert with employers and insurers on health and wellness initiatives.
Individuals will also be responsible for a larger portion of their healthcare expenses. It will be incumbent upon providers to plan for the financial issues that come with an increased number of patients paying for a greater amount of services out of pocket.