Lower Medical Cost Increases Expected in 2009 Due to Changes in Physician Practices & New Insurer Approach to Controlling Cost

OPEN MINDS On-Line News Strategic Health Care News Health care per-capita claims cost increases are expected to decline for the sixth year in a row largely due to changes in physician’s health care practice patterns and the way plan sponsors are approaching health care costs through total health management (THM). THM is expected to further help plans reduce costs over time by improving health outcomes. To implement THM, plan sponsors are singling out cost drivers and providing incentives for patients to comply with recommended care. Claims cost increases have slowed as follows: Point-of-service medical plans . . .