The increase in healthcare cost trends is stabilizing, according to a survey by ACS/Buck.
The rise in the trend has stayed relatively flat for the last two years when all components of the health plan are blended, based on an expected spend allocated as follows: 65% drugs, 20% medical, 10% hospital, and 5% vision care.
The overall blended total trend is expected to rise 13.33% this year compared to a 13.2% increase in 2006 and a 13.8% rise in 2005.
“Despite this apparent ‘leveling off,’ overall healthcare cost trends continue to increase at a greater rate than any other business cost,” the survey states.
Since prescription drug costs still represent the largest portion of employer healthcare costs, employers should expect their plan costs to increase over the next five to 10 years.
To read the survey, click here.
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