Rising healthcare costs may contribute to a disparity between small and large businesses, Penton Business Media reports.
According to the source, a Transport Capital Partners fourth quarter survey of carriers revealed that more than 80 percent of trucking companies polled are preparing for negative effects of recent healthcare changes.
About 43 percent of respondents reported shifting more employee benefits costs to workers, while 37 percent said premiums for family coverage would have to be raised. Another 29 percent indicated they had not yet developed a strategy to deal with the increased costs.
One TCP partner reportedly indicated that smaller carriers and independent contractors are feeling the pressure. About 39 percent of them reported coping with increased costs, and more of them are expecting employees to shoulder the burden due to a lack of other options. Only 24 percent of larger firms indicated a problem, and more of them were using wellness programs and similar measures.
Businesses in every industry may find employee benefit consultants can be helpful in determining how to balance the financial strain of growing healthcare expenses with employee needs.
