I'm sure most of us are familiar with the New Patient's Bill of Rights now in effect or going into effect. What is its impact on premiums in 2011 going to be? One would expect some degree of upward adjustment as the new benefits and rules are implemented. The cost estimates in the rules governing those provisions pegged the impact at a 1-2 percent increase in premiums.
A few weeks ago, HR consultants Hewitt Associates came out with their estimates based on plan data they've collected:
Very much in line with OCIIO's calculations.
And now this week we have employee benefits consultant Mercer previewing the findings of its 2010 National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans:
More than half of employers think the impact is less than 2%. In fact, more employers said ACA compliance would add no cost to their plans than indicated it would be 5% or more.
So next time you hear someone telling you health reform is behind their double digit premium increase for 2011, you might want to take it with a grain of salt.
A few weeks ago, HR consultants Hewitt Associates came out with their estimates based on plan data they've collected:
Hewitt estimates that the most immediate applications of health care reformincluding covering dependents to age 26 and the elimination of certain lifetime and annual limitscontributed approximately 1 percent to 2 percent of the 8.8 percent projected increase for 2011.
Very much in line with OCIIO's calculations.
And now this week we have employee benefits consultant Mercer previewing the findings of its 2010 National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans:
More than half of employers think the impact is less than 2%. In fact, more employers said ACA compliance would add no cost to their plans than indicated it would be 5% or more.
So next time you hear someone telling you health reform is behind their double digit premium increase for 2011, you might want to take it with a grain of salt.