A market analysis by PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Health Research Institute frustratingly predicts that health care costs will continue to outpace the rate of inflation next year.
Its report, called “Behind the numbers: Medical cost trends for 2009,” notes that employers will rely on prevention and disease management programs to temper costs in 2009 rather than shifting higher levels of cost-sharing onto workers.
Among their reasons:
Only 38 percent of employers surveyed said they expected to increase cost-sharing through plan design changes. Wellness programs have become commonplace — two-thirds of employers are using them, and nearly half say they are somewhat effective at reducing costs. Wellness programs aren’t merely a cost-reduction tactic. Employers said these initiatives were nearly equally effective at boosting productivity, improving employee loyalty and demonstrating corporate loyalty.
Many Wichita employers are embracing wellness programs. Where does your company stand on this? Is it worth the effort?