Managing healthcare costs

In September 2005, the IPMA-HR Benchmarking Committee conducted a survey on healthcare benefits cost management. The results of the survey are summarized in this article. They show that rising healthcare costs are straining state and local budgets nationwide. The IPMA-HR survey focused on the public sector and the results of that survey are compared to one with a more private-sector focus. Strategies used to combat rising costs are discussed, including cost-shifting to employees and health and wellness programs. The latter is the subject of three case studies that conclude this article.