Insurers named cancer, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal as the top three conditions by cost, identical to last year's findings.
The global cost of employer-sponsored health benefits in 2022 is expected to increase at the same pace as this year. However, increases will vary widely by region.
"COVID-19 has produced the biggest impact to global medical trend variation the industry has seen, and we expect the repercussion and volatility from it to extend into 2022 and beyond," said Eric McMurray, global head of health and benefits for Willis Towers Watson. "Countries and employers are feeling the impact differently. Some have experienced the recovery's demand for regular medical services in 2021, while others will see it next year or after. The pandemic, combined with the changing face of work, has had a significant effect on medical trends, delivery of services and the future drivers of medical claims."
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Costs are expected to increase by an average of 8.1%, according to the 2022 Global Medical Trends Survey by Willis Towers Watson. The survey revealed broad regional volatility:
- Europe, 6.7%
- United States and Asia Pacific, 7.6%
- Middle East and Africa, 10.6%
- Latin American, 14.2%
Looking ahead, medical insurers expect health care cost trends to accelerate beyond 2022, with more than three-quarters projecting higher or significantly higher costs over the next three years.
Seventy-five percent of survey respondents said using contracted networks of providers for all treatments is the most effective method for managing medical costs, followed by preapproval for scheduled inpatient services (67%). Telehealth (63%) moved up to number three this year, suggesting that more insurers recognize the potential for improved cost management through remote diagnosis and treatment.
The leading driver of medical costs continues to be overuse of care (64%), followed by excess of care by insured members (59%). The underuse of preventive services (38%) also is a significant cost driver and increased year-over-year, in part because of the avoidance of medical care during the pandemic.
Insurers named cancer, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal as the top three conditions by cost, identical to last year's findings. Respondents ranked musculoskeletal as the top condition by incidence of claims this year after ranking it fifth in last year's survey.
"COVID-19 has caused volatility in the trend numbers and in the leading causes of claims, as the sedentary lifestyle that often accompanies working from home has increased the risk of musculoskeletal injuries," Coleman said. "In addition, as most employers can attest, mental health claims are also on the rise."
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Alan Goforth
Alan Goforth is a freelance writer in suburban Kansas City. In addition to freelancing for several publications, he has written a dozen books about sports and other topics.
