Johnson & Dugan : 2009 UBA health plan survey results

J&D participates in the nation's largest and most comprehensive benchmarking survey.

The 2009 UBA Health Plan Survey was conducted October 1, 2008 to June 5, 2009, through the joint effort of nearly 140 of the nation's premier independent benefit advisory firms who comprise UBA. Member Firms, in conjunction with existing clients, completed responses, and additional area employers were invited to complete the web-based surveys. UBA obtained plan data for a total of 17,655 plans from 12,316 employers.

While other surveys primarily target large employers, this survey focuses on reporting results that are applicable to the small to mid-size companies who represent the overwhelming majority of the nation's 5 million-plus employers, with a mix of larger companies in rough proportion to their prevalence nationally. Thus, this survey provides a current snapshot of the nation's employers rather than covered employees. Its primary purpose is to provide accurate and relevant health plan benchmarks employers can use to help them make critical benefits decisions.

Key statistics from this year's survey results:

The average increase for all plan types was 7.3%
PPO plans have nearly two-thirds of all enrolled employees (63.9%)
Fee For Service Plans are all but extinct, with only 0.4% of employees enrolled
The average employee contribution for plans with contributions for all plan types is $105 for single and $419 for family
More than three-fourths of all wellness plans (78.4%) offered a health risk assessment
More than two-thirds (67.2%) of all family plans without a deductible are located in the Northeast and West Of all plans in the Northeast, 86.6% have 100% coinsurance
52.7% of all covered employees also elected to cover their dependents

The 2009 UBA Health Plan Survey will be available to the public after Nov. 1. Only UBA Member Firms have access to the more granular state, region, and industry data. Contact J&D to receive more information.