Employer-provided medical benefit costs are forecast to rise 6.5% in 2020, outpacing general inflation by 3.8%. The expected increase for medical plans is due to a combination of higher costs for specialty drugs, moderate price increases for care and flat or decreasing health utilization. (Medical costs in the U.S. will rise more slowly compared to other regions around the world.)

Prices, not utilization, are the leading cause for healthcare spending. High deductibles and other cost sharing are two reasons for the decrease in utilization.

The primary drivers of health care claims are musculoskeletal, cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes and high blood pressure. It’s important to note the growing risks from unhealthy personal habits, i.e. physical inactivity, obesity, bad nutrition, ageing and excessive alcohol and substance abuse. Many of those risk factors can lead to chronic conditions that are difficult to treat and can contribute to long-term increases in medical costs.

2020 Global Medical Trend Rates Report

 

Employee Benefit Advisors provides employee benefits, tax-advantaged healthcare, compliance guidance for ACA and Health & Welfare DOL Audits, and PEO Advisory & Consulting Services.