Open Enrollment Calls for Higher Costs

BOSTON (TheStreet) -- As American workers enter so-called open-enrollment season, they can expect to take another hit on top of dwindling 401(k) retirement plans: higher costs.

A survey by Watson Wyatt(WW Quote) found that more than four in 10 employers said they will raise deductibles, copayments and out-of-pocket maximums "due to the economic crisis." Deductibles for individual and family coverage are expected to increase by $50 to $100 or more among many companies.

The bad news follows a trend of rising health-care costs. In 2009, premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance rose to $13,375 for family coverage, with workers on average paying $3,515 and employers paying $9,860, according to statistics compiled by the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit focused on health-care issues. Since 1999, premiums have skyrocketed 131%, while wages have risen 38% and inflation has increased 28%.

The firm found that employers are adding high-deductible plans, often with a health-savings account. Many said they also plan to reduce the number of health-plan options. As more employers consolidate and change their health plans and networks for 2010, some employees may have to change physicians or pay higher out-of-network costs.

Similar findings come from Aon Consulting, a unit of consulting firm of Aon Corp.(AOC Quote).

Aon surveyed 1,313 employers and found that 41% expect to make more substantial changes to their 2010 medical programs than they did this year. Specifically, 70% are planning to increase employee contributions and 67% will raise deductibles, co-pays, coinsurance or out-of-pocket maximums. More than half will introduce or expand a wellness program next year, and 34% are planning to introduce or increase financial incentives for wellness programs in 2010.