Although greater health care utilization is expected in 2022, the cost of goods and services will be a stronger driver of cost trends. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Although COVID-19’s disruption of health-care-as-usual created a historic pause in rising costs, a new report predicts cost trends will continue their upward trajectory in 2022. However, the industry remains in flux, the report added, because factors such as virtual care and reduced use of emergency rooms (ERs) could reshape how health care is delivered in the U.S.

The 2022 Health Plan Cost Trend Survey was released by Segal, a benefits and HR consulting firm that has tracked cost trends in health insurance for 25 years. It found that 2020 marked the first time in the report’s history that health care cost trends decreased.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited BenefitsPRO.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical BenefitsPRO.com information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com

Already have an account?

BenefitsPRO

Join BenefitsPRO

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to navigate the shifting employee benefits industry. Join BenefitsPRO.com now!

  • Unlimited access to BenefitsPRO.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on BenefitsPRO.com and ALM events.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join BenefitsPRO

Copyright © 2023 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.