Report: Employers Paying Nearly $15,000 Per Worker for Healthcare

In the United States, employers with 50 or more employees must provide their employees with health insurance. If they don't, they face stiff penalties handed down by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). But offering health insurance isn't cheap. According to a new report published by the National Business Group on Health (NBGH), healthcare costs have risen to almost $15,000 per employee.

Researchers from the NBGH found that employers in the United States pay an average of $15,000 per employee for healthcare costs. Unfortunately, there's no signs of this trend changing anytime soon. The report predicts that employee healthcare costs will increase even higher in the years to come.

Of course, employers typically don't pay 100% of their employees' health insurance. Normally, they pay about two-thirds of the bill, with the employee footing the bill for the remaining one-third. Even when paying just two-thirds of the bill, however, employers are still shelling out nearly $15,000 in healthcare costs per employee.

So, what's the solution to lowering the cost of employee healthcare? NBGH CEO Brian Marcotte says that employers believe new health insurance options from private healthcare providers would have a positive impact.

“Seven in 10 employers believe new market entrants from outside the healthcare industry are needed to disrupt healthcare in a positive way,” said the NBGH's CEO Brian Marcotte. "A growing number of employers are taking an activist role in shaking up how care is delivered and paid for. Health care cost increases continue to outpace workers’ earnings and increases in inflation, making this trend unaffordable and unsustainable over the long term.”

As an employer, you don't have much control over employees' healthcare costs -- but there are a few things you can do. Many health insurance companies offer lower premiums for individuals in good health. Therefore, promoting health and wellness among your employees may lower their healthcare expenses.

To promote health and wellness in your company, consider replacing processed foods in the vending machine with healthier, more nutritious options. Instead of candy bars, workers can choose from packaged salads, nuts, yogurt (if the machine is refrigerated), fruits, etc. It's a great way to curb unhealthy snacks and encourage a healthier workforce in the process.

You can also promote a healthy workforce by hosting physical activities like kickball or softball games. Not only does this increase physical activity among employees, but it also builds trust and team-building skills.