NU Online News Service, May 3, 1:16 p.m. – The California HealthCare Foundation, Oakland, Calif., says higher health coverage prices are starting to have a noticeable effect on the health benefits packages offered by California’s small employers.
Employers are increasing co-payments and deductibles, and they are also adding more “multi-tier” provider programs. The multi-tier programs offer richer benefits to plan members who see what the carriers hope will be lower cost doctors and hospitals.