HR Tip: How employers are controlling health benefit costs

According to the nonprofit National Business Group on Health (NBGH) survey 2019 Large Employers' Health Care Strategy and Plan Design, the cost of employer-sponsored health benefits is expected to near $15,000 per employee in 2019. The survey indicates that many large employers are looking to curb costs with cost-effective service providers such as telehealth options and high-value in-plan provider networks. Other initiatives include focusing on high cost claims, adding a consumer engagement platform, and using targeted specialty pharmacy management for high cost drugs.

The survey also found that employers are dialing back their move to consumer-directed health plans (CDHP), which was attributed to the delay in the "Cadillac tax" under the Affordable Care Act.