2024 Employer Health Benefits Survey Results

3 minute read

The Kaiser Family Foundation conducts a survey about employer-sponsored health benefits each year. Here are some of the key points of the 2024 Employer Health Benefits Survey.

Health Insurance Premiums

In 2024, average premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance were $8,951 for single coverage and $25,572 for family coverage, marking a 6% and 7% increase, respectively. The Kaiser report notes a 4.5% rise in workers' wages and 3.2% inflation. Over five years, family coverage premiums have risen 24%, compared to a 28% increase in wages and 23% in inflation. High deductible plans with savings options (HDHP/SOs) had lower premiums, at $8,275 for single and $24,196 for family. Preferred provider organization (PPO) plans were higher, averaging $9,383 for single and $26,678 for family coverage.

Worker Contributions

In 2024, workers contributed 16% for single and 25% for family coverage premiums, slightly less than in 2023. This amounted to $1,368 for single and $6,296 for family coverage, still higher than five years ago.

Plan Enrollment

Enrollment figures were reasonably similar to last year’s. The following were the most common plan types in 2024:

• PPOs: 48% of workers covered
• HDHP/SOs: 27% of workers covered
• Health maintenance organizations: 13% of workers covered
• Point-of-service plans: 11% of workers covered
• Conventional (indemnity) plans: 1% of workers covered

Self-Funding

Self-funded plans are gaining popularity, with 63% of workers enrolled in 2024, similar to 2023. This includes 20% at small firms and 79% at large firms, as organizations choose to cover health services directly.

Employee Cost Sharing

In 2024, most workers shared in healthcare costs, with the average single coverage deductible at $1,787, consistent with last year and up 47% over a decade. Notably, 5% more workers now have deductibles over $2,000. Besides deductibles, 59% faced coinsurance and 16% had copays for hospital stays, with an average coinsurance rate of 21% and payment of $343. Nearly all had a plan with varying out-of-pocket maximums, with 14% under $2,000 and 24% over $6,001.

Availability of Employer-sponsored Coverage

In 2024, 54% of firms offered health benefits, similar to last year's 53%. While most workers are employed by firms providing health benefits, not all are covered—some aren't eligible, and others opt out. Overall, 81% of workers were eligible, and 75% of these accepted coverage, resulting in 61% enrollment.

Health Promotion and Wellness Programs

Many companies offer programs to help employees identify health issues and manage chronic conditions. The 2024 Kaiser report highlights three key initiatives:

• Health risk assessments: Offered by 31% of small and 56% of large firms, with 54% of large firms using incentives to boost participation.
• Biometric screenings: Available at 9% of small and 44% of large firms, with 65% of large firms incentivizing participation.
• Health and wellness programs: Covering areas like smoking cessation and weight management, provided by 54% of small and 79% of large employers, slightly down from last year.

GLP-1 Drug Coverage for Weight Loss

GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, are increasingly popular for weight loss and diabetes treatment. In 2024, 18% of large firms covered GLP-1s for weight loss, with 53% requiring specific conditions or had a requirement for coverage. Among these firms, 36% anticipated a significant impact on drug costs, while 16% highlighted the importance for employee satisfaction.

Conclusion

In 2024, premiums for single and family coverage rose due to economic impacts, even as inflation and wages began to stabilize. With health care costs expected to increase in 2025, employers should seek strategies to manage higher premiums and enhance mental health support. Download the bulletin for more details.