Employer Plans in 2021: Premiums, Telemedicine Coverage Rise
The average annual premium for employer-sponsored health insurance increased 4% to $7,739 for single coverage and $22,221 for family coverage, respectively, this year, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation 2021 Employer Health Benefits Survey. In recent years, high-deductible plans with a savings option have been gaining popularity. About 22% of firms offered an HDHP/SO and 28% of covered workers were enrolled in such a plan in 2021, representing slight declines compared with previous years. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the use of telemedicine, as 95% of firms with 50 or more workers offered telemedicine coverage in their largest health plan, up from 85% last year. In addition, about 65% of firms with 50 or more workers made changes to enhance their telemedicine benefits after the beginning of the pandemic.
NOTES: Small firms have 3-199 workers and large firms have 200 or more workers. HMO is a health maintenance organization. PPO is a preferred provider organization. POS is a point-of-service plan. HDHP/SO is a high-deductible health plan with a savings option. HRA is a health reimbursement arrangement. HSA is a health savings account.
SOURCE: Kaiser Family Foundation Employer Health Benefits Survey, 2021.
This infographic was reprinted from AIS Health’s weekly publication Health Plan Weekly.