Seven Ways Health Plans May Change In 2017

NEW YORK, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Online benefits administration and Health Savings Account provider, Clarity Benefit Solutions, reveals seven ways health plans may change in 2017.

1. Health plan costs will rise. It is predicted that health insurance premiums will continue to rise this year for employees across the country. This is a result of overall medical inflation, expenses related to specialty pharmacy items, and those who file high-cost claims.
2. Healthcare will go high-tech. Technology seems to be impacting all areas of life, and healthcare is no exception. With many practices offering virtual visit services such as phone, video, or email consultations, health insurance plans will accommodate these changes—which can also include administering prescriptions. A rise in home delivery services will also result in healthcare truly being accessible to everyone.
3. Bundles will be offered. Several major employers are set to launch bundle proposals—primarily via narrow network offerings using providers who focus on specialist areas. This will lead to additional consolidation throughout the market as multiple care locations integrate into one setting.
4. Prescription costs will dramatically rise. Unfortunately, the cost of many drugs has risen to dangerously high levels. To counter this, health organizations are lobbying to balance clinical innovation and sustainability.
5. Hospitals will go global. U.S. hospitals will increase international satellite locations so as not to lose their revenue stream from international patients who pay with cash. Bundles will also come into play, as a U.S. hospital may offer the same services overseas for less money.
6. Employers will offer one-site healthcare. There will be a rise in the number of employers offering their employees primary care clinics on-site—first to employers and extending to their families. This will increase quality of care and lower costs. And, as an added bonus, absenteeism will decrease and customer satisfaction will increase.
7. The Health Care Education and Reconciliation Act (HERA) may be no more. If HERA is repealed, millions of people who used to have health care coverage will no longer have it. This will have a huge impact on the industry and the effects will be felt long into the future.

About Clarity Benefit Solutions: Clarity Benefit Solutions provides technology that makes the health insurance plan selection process fast, easy, and straightforward. For over two decades, we have provided clients with industry-leading technology, compliance, and exceptional customer service. Our offering is designed to save time and lower the costs of managing benefits while also promoting employee self-service and automated ACA compliance.

Media Contact: Calvin Clark, Clarity Benefit Solutions, 732-428-8272, [email protected]

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SOURCE Clarity Benefit Solutions