Business Roundtable issues report on health care cost trends

“In September 2009, Business Roundtable issued a report on health care cost trends prepared by Hewitt Associates. Its central finding was that, if present trends continue, the cost to provide an employee with health care will rise from $10,000 to $28,000 over ten years. Cost increases of this magnitude imperil the competitiveness of our companies and the health care coverage of our employees; they must be addressed.

“As Congress and the Administration consider next steps, Business Roundtable CEOs reaffirm that health care reform is a national priority. The escalating burden these costs place on employers, individuals and the government is not sustainable. We believe that many of the delivery-system reforms under consideration will make significant strides towards reducing the cost burden on purchasers, while improving access to and quality of the care provided. These provisions must not only be protected, but strengthened during the health care reform negotiations including new steps towards medical liability reform which is essential to any health care cost containment strategy.

“Congress should continue to work in a bipartisan manner to pass legislation that will reduce costs, improve quality, expand coverage and avoid disruption of the benefits currently provided by employers to employees, retirees and their families. The economic and human consequences of not addressing the cost spiral are too great to quit. We are committed to continue fighting for reform done right,” said John J. Castellani, President of Business Roundtable.

SOURCE Business Roundtable