Towers Perrin has released its annual Health Care Cost Survey, which, as might be expected, reveals that the average corporate health benefit expenditure in 2008 will increase by 7% over 2007 rates.  The survey also asked respondents about health care reform legislation.  According to the report:

For the first time in its 19-year history, the survey asked respondents questions about the structure of the current U.S. health care system and, more specifically, to provide their organizations’ point of view as employers on issues such as the likelihood of health care reform.

Given the long-standing nature of affordability issues, it’s perhaps no surprise that the only area where respondents seem to have a clear consensus is the need for reform in the insurance and health care delivery arenas. Sixty-five percent agree that there should be legislation to address insurance reform and, notably, 65% agree that health care delivery should be reformed.

As far as expectations for the possibility and timing of such reforms, respondents see the states as the drivers of change rather than the federal government and believe that the first wave will happen within the next four years.

"Our data suggest that the majority of organizations believe reform will happen, and that suggests that we are rapidly approaching a tipping point," noted [Dave Guilmette, Managing Director of the Towers Perrin Health and Welfare practice]. "Organizations seem to be saying that, while they want reforms to improve health care delivery and performance, they continue to support an employer-based delivery system."

Additional Reading:

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