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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