Truven Health Analytics predicts surging employee out-of-pocket costs

Recent data from the annual Truven Health Analytics U.S. Benchmarks and Trends reports for employers and health plans predict that employee out of pocket costs will experience double digit growth, and commercial payer costs will grow at a more modest rate.

The report said employee out-of-pocket health care spending is expected to grow 12 percent in 2015. Commercial spending is expected to increase by approximately 5 percent in 2015.

 “Timely and appropriate benchmark comparisons are essential for payers to identify areas for intervention, measure progress and provide management with the appropriate context for making critical decisions,” Barbara Graovac, senior vice president at Truven Health Analytics, said. “The insights offered in the Truven Health U.S. Benchmarks and Trends reports provide payers with an opportunity to mitigate trend drivers and develop more effective benefits programs.”

The reports also showed outpatient and prescription-drug spending has increased, with few chronic conditions accounting for large portions of costs.

 The study analyzed the claims experiences of more than 330 employers that represent 15.1 million insured individuals.