According to research from one human resources consulting firm, the average healthcare cost per employee in the U.S. will break $10,000 for the first time next year.
The growth rate of healthcare expenses is expected to decrease to 7 percent in 2012, rather than the 7.5 percent rate of 2011. However, the projected level is still higher than the 2010 growth rate of 6.9 percent.
The firm indicated one factor is the aging of the workforce, due in part to slower hiring practices. This has contributed to increased number of catastrophic claims, as well as more expensive claims. Costly chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes are also making it difficult for employers to implement effective short-term cost-saving tactics.
As a result, researchers stated, employers are attempting to shift more of the expense to their employees in the form of payroll contributions or out-of-pocket costs. In 2012, projections indicate 22 percent of the total average healthcare premium will be covered by employees, up from the previous two years.
Out-of-pocket costs for copayments, coinsurance and deductibles are expected to increase more than $200 from 2011, reaching $2,275, compared to $1,691 in 2010.
