Employers are looking to deductible-free health plans as employees report increasing concerns about the cost of healthcare, according to Mercer's 2023-2024 "Inside Employees' Minds" survey.
The survey, published Oct. 30, interviewed 4,505 full-time employees in the United States, working for organizations with more than 250 employees.
In 2023, 15% of organizations are offering some employees no-cost health plans, and 18% are using salary-based contributions.
Around 4 in 10 employers offer a medical plan with low or no deductible.
Plans with no deductibles are growing in popularity — UnitedHealthcare's fastest-growing commercial plans have no annual deductibles, COO Dirk McMahon told investors Oct. 30.
"UnitedHealthcare members in these offerings are receiving more preventive care, while paying about 50% less out of pocket, compared to people enrolled in traditional offerings, and their employers can reduce the total cost of care with an average savings of 11%," Mr. McMahon said.
According to Mercer's survey, 79% of workers making between $60,000 and $100,000 each year say they can afford the healthcare their family needs without hardship, compared to 51% of workers making less than $30,000 annually.
See the full report here.