Managing Specialty Drug Spending is Top Priority For 88% of Employers

Willis Towers Watson recently released results from the 21st annual Best Practices in Health Care Employer Survey. Here are some key findings from the report:

·         Employers expect employer and employee healthcare costs to increase 5% in 2016 and 2017.

·         Average employee annual costs are expected to rise to $12,338 in 2016 and $13,000 in 2017.

·         81% of employers will make modest changes to cost-sharing provisions for 2017.

·         Managing spending for high-cost specialty drugs is top priority for 88% of employers.

·         Half of employers offering an account-based plan expect that to be the only choice by 2018.

·         28% of employers have reduced spousal subsidies by adding surcharges.

Source: Willis Towers Watson, August 2, 2016