Dive Brief:

• According to a new report from Aon Hewitt, the average cost of employer-sponsored medical plans globally will be 9.1% in 2016, 5.5 percentage points higher than the projected 3.6% inflation rate.
• Trend rates will vary by region. Europe and North America will exceed inflation at around 6%, though all regions are projected to exceed inflation by at least four points.
• The reasons behind the increase include an aging population, overall “declining health,” bad lifestyle habits and increased use of employer-sponsored health plans, Aon Hewitt reports.

Dive Insight:

The most prevalent claims made on employer health plans included cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, cancer and gastrointestinal issues. Obesity, high cholesterol and a lack of physical activity are all considered some of the biggest risk factors for claims worldwide.

This data may point to why employers are paying more attention to their wellness programs than ever before, particularly as companies seek ways to save money on their health plans. A more holistic approach to wellness is gaining popularity, especially as the technology catches up.