Most employees can expect to see voluntary benefit options added to their benefit plans thanks to new regulatory and economic issues. Half of employers surveyed by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance say they expect to add voluntary, employee-paid insurance benefits to their plans within the next year.

But the same percentage of employers also say they'll likely increase health insurance premiums (51 percent) as well as deductibles and copays (49 percent).

“Not surprisingly, employee benefits have taken a hit as companies wrestle with the rising cost of providing health coverage to their workforce,” says Randy Horn, president and CEO of Colonial Life. “Offering voluntary products that complement core benefits can help companies better manage their costs. Voluntary plans can also give employees a convenient and affordable way to protect their families and lifestyles.”