Study predicts workers will pay more for health care next year

According to a survey from the Mercer consulting firm, 59 percent of companies intend to raise the amount worker will be required to pay for health care in 2009 (Source: “Study: Workers to pay more for health care,” Associated Press, Sept. 4, 2008).

With health care costs expected to go up by 5.7 percent next year, according to the survey, employers are going to ask workers to pay higher deductibles, copays and out-of-pocket expenses.

While the anticipated cost increase is lower than the double-digit increase seen in recent years, Blaine Bos, the author of the study said, "It's not something to cheer about, especially since costs are getting passed on to employees."