PwC’s Health Research Institute is a projecting a 6.5% increase in the medical cost trend for 2017, the same number that was projected for 2016 and a slower growth than the industry has seen in previous years. But healthcare is still outpacing the general economic inflation, according to the report. ...
[What is causing this moderation?]
- More than 40% of employers surveyed are considering implementing high-performance networks with more limited provider choices and outcomes-based payments.
- Employers are also narrowing their pharmacy formularies to one treatment option....
- At the same time, no specialty blockbuster prescription drugs are expected to hit the market with high costs next year....
Source: Employee Benefit News.
