2022-12-14-WTW-WTW+2023年全球医学趋势调查报告-26页_26页_1mb

2023 Global Medical Trends Survey Report Summary

Core Content

The 2023 Global Medical Trends Survey Report provides an overview of the projected increase in global medical costs, highlighting the impact of inflation, increased healthcare utilization post-pandemic, and other external factors. The report also explores regional variations, key conditions affecting costs, and strategies for managing these trends.

Main Findings

• Global Medical Cost Trends:

  • The global average healthcare benefit cost trend increased from 8.2% in 2021 to 8.8% in 2022, and is projected to remain at 10% in 2023, the highest in nearly 15 years.
  • North America is the only region expected to see a decrease in trend, from 9.4% to 6.5%.
  • Latin America is projected to have the highest increase in trend, from 18.2% to 18.9%.
  • Asia Pacific is expected to see a rise from 6.9% to 10.2%.
  • Europe is projected to increase from 8.0% to 8.6%.
  • Middle East and Africa is expected to increase from 10.5% to 11.5%.

• Key Conditions:

  • Musculoskeletal disorders remain the top condition by incidence of claims.
  • Cancer is expected to move up to the second spot in terms of incidence.
  • Mental and behavioral health disorders are ranked fourth by both incidence and cost.
  • These conditions are expected to be among the top five fastest-growing in the next 18 months.

• Cost Drivers:

  • High inflation and increased healthcare utilization are the primary contributors to rising costs.
  • New medical technologies and provider profit motives are also key factors.
  • Decline in public health system quality/funding and geopolitical conflicts are emerging concerns.

• Telehealth and Cost Management:

  • Telehealth is gaining traction as a cost management tool, moving up from third to second place in the 2023 survey.
  • Contracted provider networks are still the top cost management method.
  • Preapprovals for inpatient services have decreased in importance.

Key Information

• Coverage Gaps and DEI:

  • Exclusions persist for conditions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), such as fertility treatments, gender reaffirming surgery, and midwives.
  • Employers are encouraged to work with consultants and brokers to address these gaps and promote inclusive health outcomes.

• Employer Strategies:

  • Employers are focusing on wellbeing programs, virtual care, and employee engagement.
  • Copayment products, telemedicine, and healthcare technology are being considered to manage costs.
  • There is a growing emphasis on preventive care and integrated wellbeing programs.

• Regional Insights:

Europe

• Public healthcare systems face constraints, and pandemic-related delays in care are still impacting claims.
• France and Belgium are notable for their premium increases and reforms affecting healthcare coverage and costs.

North America

• U.S. employers remain concerned about costs and volatility despite a projected decrease in trend to 6.5%.
• Canada is expected to see a trend decrease from 10.4% to 6.3%.

Asia Pacific

• Singapore has seen a surge in medical costs due to increased elective procedures and chronic disease burden.
• Malaysia and Vietnam are projected to have continued cost increases, with Malaysia at 13.8% and Vietnam at 10%.
• Hong Kong is expected to see a trend increase to 9% due to relaxed quarantine measures and increased hospitalization demand.
• India has experienced a rise in medical costs due to post-pandemic health conditions, increased health awareness, and healthcare system response.
• China is expected to see a trend increase to 9.0% due to high medical utilization and aging population.

Latin America

• Argentina faces high inflation and currency devaluation, with a new bimonthly index to update medical plan costs.
• Brazil uses annual indexes to track medical cost changes, with a median of 14.55% in 2022, significantly above the official inflation rate.

Conclusion

The report underscores the accelerating global medical cost trends driven by inflation, pandemic-related health disparities, and external economic and geopolitical factors. It emphasizes the need for employers to adapt by focusing on DEI, telehealth, and wellbeing initiatives, while also managing costs through strategic benefit design and cost-sharing mechanisms.