Workers Will Pay More for Health Care, Consulting Firm Says

Good news!

"No matter what happens with health-care reform this fall, employees should expect to pay more for health insurance in 2010 -- especially with co-pays and deductibles.

That's according to data from Hewitt Associates, a human-resources consulting firm. Hewitt also says more companies will require employees to fill out health-risk questionnaires in order to receive benefits. But they aren't cutting back on wellness programs.

Workers will be picking up the extra costs because cash-strapped businesses won't, benefits consultants say. And higher out-of-pocket costs make it even more important for consumers to evaluate their needs, compare plans and use a flexible spending account if it's available...

Hewitt expects the health-care cost per employee to rise 6% to $9,120 on average in 2010, from $8,607 in 2009. And employees will be picking up much of that increase."

Less to spend on Calories.