The survey consisted of 69 health systems representing over 140 hospitals in the northeastern United States.
Results marked a dramatic rise in stop loss deductible levels. Most respondents cover prescription drug costs under stop loss, reflecting the increasing expense associated with specialty medications. Many hospitals continue to maintain a specialty drug tier.
The survey indicated that hospitals are using a variety of methods to control costs, including spousal surcharges. The percentage of hospitals requiring a surcharge for spouses with other coverage doubled from 2015 to 2016. “More hospitals are being mindful of who they cover and are dis-incentivizing spouses from joining their plans,” says Mary H. Clark, Practice Leader at Cammack Health. This trend in limiting spousal coverage reinforces that spouses on average cost 20% or more than employees.
Wellness plans experienced continued growth, with more than three-fourths of hospitals offering some type of wellness program. Many more participants reported their level of employee engagement this year, and more are utilizing wellness program data.
The Cammack Health Benefit Survey is the only evaluation of its kind to provide analysis and insight into benefit and population health practices within the healthcare industry. Participants were most interested in learning more about population health management strategy and programs, as well as accountable care and performance contracts with the physician domestic tier.
For additional survey information, please contact Mary H. Clark at (646) 839-8209 or mclark@cammackhealth.com. Highlights of this year’s survey are available at cammackhealth.com/survey.
About Cammack Health
Cammack Health provides employee benefits and healthcare consulting services to hospital and corporate clients. We are the only firm in the region specializing in hospital benefits consulting.
Cammack Health has a broad and deep experience in building and implementing successful strategies for health systems, health plans, employers, and others who are “at risk” for the cost of health care, serving clients nationwide with a concentration along the East Coast. Core strengths include the partnerships we maintain with clients and a knowledgeable and practical management team with a 98% client retention rate.
We are dedicated to providing an extraordinary level of customer service through best-in-class programs, technology solutions, and innovative problem solving to create value for our clients and their organizations. Clients look to us for expert plan and program design, seamless implementation, and ongoing support and service.
Cammack Health mobilizes organizations to establish, deploy, and continuously improve the successful community/population healthcare model, and is known for turning data to insight and insight to action.
The leadership team frequently speaks at industry events, including Northeast Business Group on Health (NEBGH), Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), and The American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA). Connect with us at cammackhealth.com.
