Controller's Report

A distribution of cost increases for preferred provider organization (PPO), point-of-service (POS), health maintenance organization (HMO), and high-deductible consumer-driven (HDCD) health plans is available in the associated table. Developed by Buck Consultants and published in its newest National Health Care Trend Survey, this table reflects medical care cost increases that took effect in the first half of 2009, according to HMOs, Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, and pharmacy benefit managers. Key point: The table will help most controllers evaluate the 2009 health plan cost increases of their employers.