Survey Finds the Lowest Increase in Years for Midsize Employers’ Health Care Costs
Midsize employer average health care costs in Michigan are projected to increase after benefit plan changes by an average of 3 percent in 2019, one of the lowest increases in the past five years, according to Troy office of Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC in a new report.
Crain’s Detroit Business
One of our own, Kathleen Waynick, contributed to the findings of the report. Offering some insight into how we’ve implemented our employee health care plans, Kathleen was able to make Irvin a prime example and “Trendbender” with our leading-edge strategies to managing medical spending.
At Irvin Products, a Pontiac-based interior trim auto supplier that became a Trendbender this year, Kathleen Waynick, senior human resources manager, said the 158-employee company has had a CDHP in place since 2013. She said the PPO plan, which has a $1,250 deductible, is the most popular option for employees.
“We have intentionally been thoughtful with our plan design strategy,” Waynick said in an email to Crain’s. “In 2018, one key element of our plan was the implementation of a program incentivizing employees to get their physical. This significantly increased the number of employees meeting with a doctor, helping them be proactive in identifying health issues and improving their overall health. This ultimately keeps health care costs low for both the employer and employee.”