Medical plan costs are predicted to grow at double-digit ratesin the next year, according to Aon Consulting's 2010 HealthCare Trend Survey, which interviewed more than 60 health careinsurers, representing more than 100 million insured individuals.Aon Consulting has determined healthcare costs are expected to rise by 10.5 percent for HMOs, 10.6percent for POS plans, 10.7 percent for PPOs and 11 percent for CDHplans - a slightly higher rate than last year's increases of 10.4percent for HMOs, 10.4 percent for POS plans, 10.7 percent for PPOsand 10.5 percent for CDH plans.

In the next year, Aon Consulting forecasts an 8.4 percentprescription drug cost trend, a decrease from 9.3 percent in thespring of 2009, and a 14 percent specialty pharmacy trend rate isexpected, rather than last year's lower 13.2 percent.

For retirees over the age of 65, health care rates are projectedto hit 7.5 percent for Medicare Supplement plans and 6.7 percentfor Medicare Advantage plans, Aon Consulting says, which is up from6.6 percent and down from 7.3 percent from the spring of 2009.