Cost-Containment

The general perception has been that the pandemic would radically increase employees' appreciation of benefits and possibly increase their need for certain benefits, but how benefits may evolve based on these changes remains unclear.

Slowed, but not stopped: per capita out-of-pocket spending increased from $1,028 to $1,148 between 2000 and 2018.

Researchers found that for $1,646 saved on lower-acuity emergency department visits $6,327 was spent in urgent care center costs.

An important role for benefits brokers is helping their clients navigate this new world. For many brokers, this will mean expanding their product portfolio, as employers will be adding more voluntary benefits, such as financial well-being options, to their offerings.

As health care costs have grown, so has the value of treatment outcomes, but some areas more than others.

While general health is still important, employers are often turning their wellness investments to focused condition management.