Employee out-of-pocket healthcare spending rose by almost 6 percent in 2013 and is expected to grow 12 percent annually in 2014 and 2015, according to Truven Health Analytics' U.S. Benchmarks and Trends Reports for employers and health plans.
The study analyzes the claims experience of more than 330 employers. Here are four key findings from the report:
• The total medical and pharmacy costs for active employees and their dependents increased from $4,420 per member per year in 2012 to $4,569 in 2013.
• Total allowed outpatient spending rose as much as 3.8 percent in 2013. In addition, total outpatient surgery costs increased as much as 7.7 percent.
• Pharmacy claims expenses increased 3.2 percent from 2012 to 2013, spurred by specialty pharmacy cost increases of 12.2 percent.
• Fifteen common chronic or cancer conditions — including asthma, lower back disorders, substance abuse and osteoarthritis — account for nearly a quarter of all medical spending in 2013.
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