Paying More for the Same Healthcare
The Associated Press just reported that in 2009 almost 60% of employers plan to pass on the effect of rising healthcare costs--greater premiums, increased co-pays, and other out-of-pocket costs--to their employees. With healthcare costs in 2009 expected to go up almost 6% this means, you guessed it a nice healthy increase to the cost of those doctor visits for your kids' coughs and sniffles and a bigger slice taken out of your bi-weekly paycheck.
There's no real way around it, I suppose. Employers have tried to incentivize lower premiums for employees who are within healthy BMIs or weight or who complete smoking cessation programs. Another option, of course, as some have unethically tried, is not to hire those who smoke or engage in other unhealthy behaviors, thus keeping premiums low.
In any case, buckle your seat belts, folks: absent healthcare reform, we are headed for a wild ride in search of affordable medical care in this country.
Summer Johnson, PhD
contribute a comment
Your contributions to the conversation are very much appreciated. We do have a few simple guidelines, though. Be civil. Stay on topic. We reserve the right to remove comments that violate the aforementioned guidelines. One more thing: comments are moderated, so it may take a little while for your comment to be posted. Thanks.
comments
We sure are in for a bumpy ride and as the costs increase people are going to avoid seeking treatment. I guess we can brace for higher acuity patients to be presenting to the ER for tune-ups as well. What a great system.
- by PharmacistMike on Sep 4, 2008 at 3:18 PM | link
In most states, the employer is responsible for 50% of the premium, so the cost the employer does pass to its employees does have a cap.
- by Affordable Health Insurance Quotes on Sep 9, 2008 at 1:58 AM | link