Employer health benefit costs rose nationally and at select Atlanta companies this year, though at a slower pace, and they are expected to tick up again in 2013, a new survey of employers found.
But next year’s increases once again will be tempered by employers making cost-saving changes to their health plans.
The average total health cost per employee rose 4.1 percent nationwide in 2012 to $10,558, according to the annual National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans conducted by global consulting firm Mercer, down from a 6.1 percent increase in 2011.
Nationally, employers expect a 5.0 percent health benefit cost increase in 2013, but they said that if no plan changes had been made costs would rise by an average of 7.4 percent next year.
Among a group of 20 Atlanta employers, health benefit costs rose 4.3 percent in 2012, to $10,181 per employee. Those employers expect a cost increase of 6.4 percent in 2013, but said their cost would have jumped 9.1 percent if they had not changed plans or vendors.
Mercer said employers face added cost pressures expected from health care law requirements. An increase in low-cost, consumer-directed health plans limited increases. Wellness programs also helped, Mercer said.
“Employers are very aware that in 2014 when the health care reform law’s provisions kick in, they will be asked to cover more employees and face added cost pressure,” said Julio Portalatin, president and CEO of Mercer.
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