Health insurance costs to jump 10.5 percent in next year

Healthcare costs are expected to increase by 10.5 percent over the next 12 months, according to Aon Consulting.

The firm surveyed more than 60 health insurers, representing more than 100 million insured individuals. The insurers projected claims and other costs to increase by 10.7 percent for PPO plans and 10.4 percent for HMO plans-only slightly lower than last year's anticipated increases.

Aon Consulting's Chief Medical Officer, Paul Berger, MD, believes employer wellness programs are critical to lowering medical costs.