PPACA Is Upheld -- Jumbo Employer Projections for the Future of Employer Sponored Healthcare According to New Research Study
New Benfield Research data sheds light on the reactions we can expect from Jumbo employers (5,000+ employees) regarding plans for the provision of active, pre- and post-65 retiree healthcare benefits for 2012-2015 in light of PPACA ruling.
ST. LOUIS, June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In April 2012, Benfield conducted research for their Benfield's Special Report on Healthcare Reform asking jumbo employers to reflect on healthcare benefit decisions under consideration and the likelihood that they would take those actions if certain Supreme Court rulings came to pass.
Since the ruling was upheld, offering Consumer Directed Heath Plans (CDHP), which includes high deductible features, is the most planned action for active employees in 2014, followed by total replacement CDHP plans, unit premium pricing and reduction of benefits to avoid the Cadillac tax. Just 3% indicate high likelihood of jumbo employers moving employees to state or private exchanges and little (1%) or no plans to discontinuing coverage altogether.
For pre-65 retiree coverage the most planned 2014 action is offering a 100% retiree paid plan. Approximately one out of ten jumbo employers are highly likely to drop healthcare coverage for pre-65 retirees, but will provide vouchers/supplemental compensation to purchase individual insurance or plan to discontinue pre-65 retiree benefits altogether.
The most likely options for post-65 retiree plans are to move toward an employee group waiver plan (EGWP). Secondary considerations include offering 100% retiree paid plans and plans to shift post-65 retirees to private exchanges in 2014. A projected 7% are highly likely to drop post-65 coverage.
Benfield's 2012 Special Report on Healthcare Reform will be available to subscribers July 2012. A subsequent survey with the same employers post-Supreme Court ruling is planned and will be reported in a supplement to ensure purchasers have the most current and actionable data on the impact of the Court's decision.
About The Benfield Group:
The Benfield Group is a health care market research, strategy and communications firm. We help healthcare companies focus on employers as key customers, and help them develop and implement effective employer strategies. We also provide strategic communications support for employers to help them gain executive and cross-organizational support for human capital improvement strategies. www.benfield.com
Media Contact:
Rebecca Hoffman
[email protected]
(312) 282-4254
SOURCE The Benfield Group
Share this article