Health care costs at U.S. group health plans are on track to rise an average of 10.5% over the next 12 months, a consulting firm says.
The consulting arm of Aon Corp., Chicago, says the projected rate of increase for the most common form of group coverage, a preferred provider organization plan, will increase about 10.7% for employers that buy health coverage together with prescription drug coverage.
The 2008 rate of increase for PPO plans with drug coverage was also 10.7%.