CHICAGO, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Employee contributions to healthcare coverage will rise in 2010 no matter what happens with healthcare reform in Washington, a survey indicates.
The 2009 Benefits & Talent Survey by Aon Consulting surveyed 1,313 employers nationwide and found 70 percent of businesses indicate they plan to increase employee contributions -- and 67 percent expect to raise deductibles, co-pays, coinsurance or out-of-pocket maximums.
More than half of employers surveyed say they expect to introduce or expand a wellness program next year, and 34 percent plan to introduce or increase financial incentives for wellness programs.
"As in years past, many employers are expecting to shift additional healthcare costs to employees in 2010 to share the burden of double-digit rate increases," John Zern, U.S. health & benefits practice director with Aon Consulting, says in a statement. "However, it may be more dramatic next year, as many organizations try to avoid taking other drastic measures such as layoffs or salary freezes."
The survey says 41 percent of employers offer a gift card or merchandise as an incentive -- 39 percent offer between $50 and $249 as the maximum value an employee can earn in one year.
