TF study shows employers "fighting" to contain health cost spiral, seeking new strategies

In an effort to combat continuing double-digit increases in their premiums, companies responding to a proprietary study said they've changed their health insurance carrier an average of nearly three times in the last five years.

This was among several key findings in a recent survey by Thilman Filippini and The American Seniors Housing Association. The study comprised 39 ASHA-member firms across the country, including a number of major nationwide operators.

Although focused specifically on Benefits and Workers Compensation in the seniors housing industry, the report is a microcosm of trends across a wide range of other sectors.

More than four of five surveyed firms – 86% – said they now review competitive proposals from multiple sources; and nearly 60% offer some form of consumer driven health plan, such as a Flexible Spending Account. This reflects a growing national movement toward plans designed to stem demand for unnecessary services.

"Employers certainly aren't resigned to higher costs – they're putting up quite a fight," said Michael Pokora of Thilman Filippini, an author of the report.

"But going forward, we're beginning to see a strong shift away from short-term tactics, such as switching carriers or passing on higher costs to plan participants, in favor of innovative new strategies like CDHP's and disease management programs."

For more information, contact John Atkinson, Partner, Thilman Filippini, at
312-527-7010 or john.atkinson@TF-risk.com.