Costs by Region | 2019 UBA Health Plan Survey Trends
Overall average costs per employee rose 1.3% from $10,313 in 2018 to $10,447 in 2019 (compared to 3.8%, from $9,934 in 2017 to $10,313 in 2018). Regional cost averages vary from the national picture, making it essential to benchmark both nationally and regionally. For example, a significant difference exists between the cost to insure an employee in the Northeast versus the Southeast U.S.—plans in the Northeast continue to cost the most since they typically have lower deductibles, contain more state-mandated benefits, and feature higher in-network coinsurance, among other factors.
Though historically the lowest cost plans were in the Central U.S., 4.4, 4.7 and 4.1 percent cost increases in 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively no longer position this region as the low-cost leader. Instead, the Southeast now offers the cheapest plans in the nation (with virtually no increase from last year). The North Central had a huge 5.8% increase last year, but appears to be settling back to lower rates in 2019. Instead, the West experienced the highest increase from 2018 to 2019 at 5.5%, following the flat or negative increases they experienced in the last two years.
As a member of United Benefit Advisors, we can provide you with data from the nation’s most comprehensive benchmarking survey of health plans — the UBA Health Plan Survey. By using this data, we can help you more accurately evaluate costs and contrast your current benefit plan’s effectiveness against other companies’ plans by industry, size and region — giving you a distinct competitive edge in recruiting and retaining a superior workforce. Armed with this vital information, we can help you craft a superior benefits package that supports your strategic and financial goals.
