Employer Education

February 2009

Health Care Costs

Simple Question Complicated Answers

When we pay our premiums or sort through our medical bills we can't help but ask why it all seems to cost so much? It's a simple question, but a complicated answer. So what makes up our health care costs and spending? The myriad of moving parts that make up the system; doctors, hospitals, other health professionals, home care, prescriptions, insurers and the uninsured all influence the cost of health care. There are other factors such as administration, information-sharing and the influence of Medicare and Medicaid that play a role as well.

Top 10 Health Care Cost Drivers

Health care costs in the United States have risen from $1,100 per person per year in 1980 to nearly $7,900 today. Medical advances during this time deliver value, but not commensurate with the rising costs that push health insurance rates beyond the reach of too many of us. Claiming one in every six cents Americans spend ($2.3 trillion), out-of-control health care costs threaten our entire economy. So why do costs continue to rise? Experts have identified the following 10 top cost drivers.

Health Care Options for Displaced Employees

What coverage options are available during attrition? Given today's business and economic climate, increasing unemployment is an unfortunate reality. Regardless of the type of business, a reduction in workforce decision is never easy nor without peripheral implications.

Tips for Managing Medication Costs

Prescription use has increased dramatically over the last ten years. With increased use comes increased cost. Pharmaceutical manufacturers spend billions of dollars each year advertising to physicians and consumers about their latest and greatest medication. It's not always clear if more medication and more costs lead to better health. The best way for consumers to get the best value from their prescription dollars is to get more involved in their health care.

Protecting Assets against healthcare fraud

Affordable healthcare is an important vision for many families, even during difficult economic times. Unfortunately, like so many other things, healthcare premiums seems to cost us more each year, making this vision much more difficult to realize.