(by Dr. Goldfinger)

In 2005, health care costs’ growth is expected to ease, specialists say.

A trend rate, health claims costs per person, is expected to hit the record of 13.1% for preferred provider organization coverage being lower than this year 14.4%. Trend rates for health maintenance organization coverage are anticipated to grow 12.4% in 2005 as compared with 2004 13.7%. Trend rates for point-of-service plans will rise by a projected 13%, down from 13.9% this year.

Ed Kaplan, a national health care practice leader in Segal’s New York office, says that employers shouldn’t be hit with premium increases that reflect trend rates. Many employers are raising deductibles and co-payments, which reduces the costs covered by plans.