According to a new survey by the National Business Group on Health, large U.S. employers are planning to shift higher health care costs to workers next year, thanks largely to cost increases that are more than twice the rate of inflation.

Employers estimate their health care benefit costs will increase an average of 7.2 percent in 2012, which is slightly lower than this year's 7.4 percent average increase. However, it still outpaces economic growth and business conditions, putting many employers in a tough spot.

While employees brace for a bigger share of the benefits tab over the next year, employers look to cost-mitigating strategies like consumer driven health plans, cost sharing and wellness initiatives. The survey also found other changes in benefit programs as various components of the health care reform law take effect.