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It is no secret that healthcare can come at a frightening cost in America.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, medical debt has jumped to $140 billion in the last year. On average, those with medical debt owe more than $2,400. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that U.S. life expectancy dropped by 1.5 years in 2020; the U.S. hasn’t witnessed such a substantial one-year decline since World War II.
Deanna Cuadra is a senior reporter at Employee Benefit News. Her work covers healthcare, U.S. policy and reform, challenges faced by women and parents in the workplace and innovation in work culture … Read full bio
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Less expensive options and customized levels of support can help employers make these medications work within their benefits plan.
Despite not being a mandate, the passing of the bill could make a big difference in leaders’ approach.
As healthcare costs climb, more large employers are contracting directly with hospitals and health systems to work out prices, improve quality and steer care.
Asking difficult questions, pushing for transparency, and challenging how prices are set have helped a healthcare provider offer better coverage to its employees.
With health benefit costs expected to rise 8.2% in 2027, employers are looking for ways to control spending without simply shifting more costs to workers.
