Number with High-Deductible Plans Triples
In 2011, 32% of companies with 500 or more employees offered high-deductible plans. That was up from 23% in 2010, according to … the benefits consulting firm Mercer. In all, 13% of insured employees in the survey were enrolled in such a plan this year, up from just 3% five years ago.
Companies say the approach is a benefit to them and their workers because it helps keep a lid on monthly insurance expenses. The Mercer survey showed that the average cost of employee coverage under high-deductible plans was nearly 20% lower than traditional insurance plans — $7,787 compared to $9,385.
Full article on the rise in high-deductible insurance plans in the LA Times.
I think this is good news. It’s a move toward more consumer driven health care.
I agree with Greg. This is good news, although it will be treated as bad news by the conventional health care media.
This is actually a desirable trend.
Absolutely agree this is a desirable trend. I recently read a report that people tend to get healthier after they start with the HDHP!
Probably because they take more personal responsibility for their own health. THAT is not rocket science.
Shey
http://healthreimbursementaccount.org