Employer health care costs jump 7.3 percent

A new study by Thomson Reuters finds health care costs for employers increased 7.3 percent in 2009, a climb from 6.1 percent 2008.

Analysts at Thomson Reuters are quick to note 2009 was a year for negative inflation: “In a year when inflation was non-existent, employer healthcare costs continued to surge,” said Chris Justice, author of the report and director of practice leadership for the Healthcare & Science business of Thomson Reuters, in a released statement. “This analysis puts the real-world healthcare challenges facing employers into perspective. These cost increases have come at a particularly difficult time for U.S. companies.”