Study: Employers to Spend $10k on Employee Healthcare

Employers in the Unite States can expect to pay more for the healthcare of their employees. According to a new study, the cost of employee healthcare will increase by approximately 5% beginning next year. This means employers will pay $13,482 in premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.

Employers aren't responsible for paying 100% of the employee's healthcare costs, however. Normally, employers pay 70% of the cost, while the employee pays the remaining 30%. Following this formula, employees can expect to pay roughly $4,200 in healthcare beginning next year.

The study, led by the National Business Group of Health, suggests that 2018 will be the fifth consecutive year during which healthcare costs are expected to increase by at least 5%. While this alone is bad enough, the study points point that this gradual cost increase is faster than the rate of inflation

Healthcare has become a heated topic in the United States. A separate CNN poll revealed that Americans are more dissatisfied with their healthcare than ever before. And with healthcare costs expected to rise in 2018, there's no signs of this disposition changing direction any time soon.

There are ways to control the rising cost of healthcare, though not of them are completely fool-proof. The study found, for instance, that 90% of large U.S. companies will begin offering healthcare plans with high deductibles to their employees. This is somewhat of a double-edged sword, as the premiums for such plans are lower, but they don't offer as much coverage in the event that an employee needs to use his or her health insurance.

"I think you'll see [the 5 percent rise] in premium increases," said study co-author Brian Marcotte. "Most people will probably see minimal changes to deductibles and co-pays unless they move to a [higher-deductible] plan."

Of course, there are benefits to providing healthcare to employees. As explained by the Wall Street Journal, healthier employees are more productive than their counterparts. Furthermore, providing health insurance to workers creates a higher level of satisfaction, which in turn lowers the risk of employee turnover. So, while it may cost a premium for employers, it's usually worth the investment.

Are you happy with the current state of healthcare?