SURVEY: CONSUMERISM GAINING FOOTHOLD IN MID-MARKET BENEFIT PLANS

Troy, Mich.-based benefits broker McGraw Wentworth said its recent survey of Southeast Michigan mid-market employers showed increased interest in consumer-driven health plans. According to the survey of 465 employers, while only 5 percent offer a consumer-driven health plan in 2005 (up from 2.6 percent in 2004), 19 percent indicated they are considering implementing one in 2006. The survey also found that health plan cost increases for 2005, which averaged 9 percent after plan changes, were below last year’s increase of 11 percent, but above the national average of 7.5 percent. The organizations surveyed represent an aggregate of nearly 400,000 employees and nearly $3.3 billion health-care dollars.