The cost of claims in employer health plans continues to rise, according to the latest trend survey by Wells Fargo Insurance Services.
Although the rate is slightly lower than six months ago, the survey found overall claim cost will continue to increase in the low double-digits.
More than 60 insurers participated in the national survey conducted between February and March.
Projected increases in the national average cost of claims include:
- Health maintenance organizations and point-of-sale plans  — 9.6 percent increase
- Preferred provider organizations  and consumer driven health plans  — 10 percent increase
- Exclusive provider organizations – 10.6 percent increase
- Indemnity plans – 11.1 percent increase
- Prescription plans – 8.7 increase
The survey found that, in addition to healthcare reform provisions, claim cost is influenced by increased use of healthcare services, aging U.S. population, improvements in medical technology and drug therapies, use of specialty drugs to treat complex diseases, changes in provider treatment patterns, and inflation.
Dental and vision benefit products remain stable, the survey found. The next survey is due late summer.
