Study: Health costs grow more slowly in 2014

The study projected that health costs for a typical family of four, covered through an employer-sponsored preferred provider organization, or PPO, would go up 5.4 percent -- the lowest increase in the Milliman Index's 14-year history.

The Associated Press: Study: Care Costs Continue Slower Growth In 2014
A typical American family of four will spend an average of $9,695 on health care this year, according to actuarial projections in the 2014 Milliman Medical Index, which was released Wednesday. That counts their contribution toward insurance premiums, payments at the doctor's office or pharmacy and even bottles of aspirin purchased at the drugstore. That compares with $4,443 spent in 2004 and is up 6 percent from last year. Milliman actuaries make their projections for a family with preferred provider organization, or PPO, coverage through a big employer. That's a common form of insurance that involves large networks of doctors and other care providers (5/21).

Politico Pro: Employer-Sponsored Health Care Costs Up
Employer-sponsored health care costs for a typical family of four will go up by 5.4 percent this year, the lowest rate of growth in the 14-year history of the Milliman Medical Index. Yet the 2014 index, released Wednesday, still shows a ninth consecutive annual increase of more than $1,100. A variety of factors likely contributed to the slowed rate of increase, with the index's authors citing the economy, higher demand for health care services, greater transparency and enhanced provider engagement in cost control. The Affordable Care Act has had little influence so far, they say, and the future impact of the law's provisions is uncertain (Villacorta, 5/21).