ISCEBS Survey Results

2012 Surveys

Medical Stop Loss Premium Survey Findings - Average Stop Loss Premium is Elusive but Measureable

This year’s Survey, its sixth year, further reflects the impact of health care reform and the resulting prevalence of unlimited lifetime maximums on stop loss coverage. Of surveyed plans, 88% report such coverage – a steep increase from 13% in 2010. About half pair an unlimited lifetime with an interim annual maximum of $5 million or less. Premiums continue to rise (to no surprise) and are 60% to 70% higher than levels reported in our initial Survey in 2007. The full survey findings include the survey's primary focus  of current premium rates. (9/7/12)

International Foundation Survey - Health Care Reform: Employers Take Action

Health Care Reform: 2012 Employer Actions Update is the third survey in a series on the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) on U.S. single employer plans.

The survey examines employers' critical decisions and actions concerning plan design and funding, employee communications, cost-sharing and other cost management measures, grandfathered plan status, and reactions to specific provisions potentially impacting health care benefit costs.

The survey findings reveal that most single employers and corporations are likely to provide health coverage to their employees in 2014, and nearly half are implementing changes so their plans will comply with the law and its regulations. [Read More in Members Only]

Deloitte/ISCEBS Top Five Total Rewards Priorities Survey: Talent and Health Care Reform Among Employers’ Top Concerns

Although health care costs remain the top employer concern for the fourth consecutive year, talent has emerged the most significant challenge over the next three years–a substantial escalation over previous years’ findings. 

Despite the perception of a talent surplus and the reality of unemployment levels, the survey findings point to an increasing gap between the supply of skilled workers in America and the growing needs of employers.

While health care costs and the impact of health care reform topped the list, some companies have definite cost-containment ideas and plans, while others seem to be taking a “wait and see” approach.  Almost three-quarters (70%) are considering expanded wellness programs to help manage health care costs.

Other findings indicate a contrast in employer versus employee concerns. Although health care costs topped the employers’ list, followed by strategic issues of talent and rewards, employees are more concerned about financial security issues such as retirement readiness, inflation, investment performance and job security. 

Now in its 18th year, the survey is jointly sponsored by Deloitte and ISCEBS. Read the press release and full survey findings. (3/14/12)

401(k) Plan Sponsors Less Confident That Employees Will be Financially Prepared for Retirement - Deloitte/ISCEBS Survey Finds

Predictably, 401(k) plan sponsors view improving employees' financial planning for retirement as a top goal for the second year in a row, according to the 11th Annual 401(k) Benchmarking Survey. More than 80% of respondents said only some or very few employees will be financially prepared for retirement. Additional survey findings include:

• Nearly two-thirds believe their responsibility includes taking an interest in whether employees are tracking towards a comfortable retirement.
• Nearly half are offering features that automatically increase participants' contribution levels.

Read the press release or the full survey findings. (2/2/12)