14 September 2004 –·– Issue 04-04
Contents2004 Increase |
|
|
|
Welcome to the NIHP E to E Newsletter—we strive to bring you pertinent information on health insurance matters and, hopefully, help you make wise decisions regarding healthcare for you and your employees. –·– New Government Study Shows 11.2 Percent Increase in Healthcare Costs This YearThe Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research and Educational Trust conducted a survey of 3,000 companies between January and May and found that the cost of providing healthcare to employees has risen 11.2 percent this year. The good news, according to the report, is that the rate of increase has slowed from the 2003 record of 13.9 percent. For more information, go to: –·– Employers Expect 2005 Healthcare Costs to Rise 12.9 Percent on AverageA recently released survey by Mercer of over 900 businesses finds that employers expect a 12.9 percent increase in healthcare costs in 2005. Many employers will be passing a portion of that increase on to employees. For more information, go to: –·– New Consumer Survey Finds HSAs Favored by ConsumersAmerica's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) polled 500 adults under the age of 65 and found that favorable opinion for HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) crossed political party lines and personal control, choice, and lower costs were all seen as positive attributes of HSAs. For more information, go to: –·– Percentage of People Who Get Health Insurance Through Employers DecreasesAlthough employer coverage is the way most Americans get health insurance, a recent survey of 24,500 families finds that from 2001 to 2003, nine million fewer people received employer coverage. Enrollment in government health plans grew during that same time. For more information, go to: –·– Insurers and Employers Ask Workers to Be More Proactive in Managing Their Own CareAccording to an estimate from the Lewin Group, obesity cost the U.S. healthcare system $102 billion in direct costs in 1999. Two-thirds of the U.S. population is overweight or obese, which can lead to higher risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and some kinds of cancer. How can employers encourage healthy behaviors among their employees? For more information, go to: –·– NIHP Mission StatementNIHP works with organizations throughout the region, their employees and families, to build partnerships that deliver cost-effective access to high-quality healthcare and benefit administration services. |