Study: Healthcare costs to rise 9% in 2011; higher deductibles ahead

Medical costs will grow by an estimated 9% in 2011, down from 9.5% this year, says a report from PricewaterhouseCoopers. The report also found that some employers are planning to share more of the cost of healthcare with workers: 42% of employers surveyed say they will increase employee contributions, 41% will boost deductibles and co-pays, and 26% will increase prescription-drug cost-sharing.