Core and Group Health

An Aon health benefits specialist predicts that employers will have to work harder to monitor their pharmacy benefit managers.

The average allowed amount for a patient with no chronic conditions was $1,590, while the average allowed amount for a patient with one chronic condition was nearly double, at $3,039.

"Employers have an opportunity to strengthen engagement by pairing competitive benefits with greater flexibility and support that helps people feel more secure," said Jake Spiegel, senior research associate at EBRI.

About 46% of respondents said they somewhat or greatly preferred the idea of being able to choose from a long list of coverage providers and plan types.

Regulators accused the company of failing to make good on earlier promises to improve how it handles complaints.

When cost is removed as an option, the public rank prior authorization as the biggest problem, the latest KFF Heath Tracking Poll found.