Survey: Companies look to shift more health costs to workers

In a new survey conducted by employee benefits firm Mercer, nearly half of the 428 employers polled said they plan to shift more health costs to employees in 2010. One-fifth of the companies said they planned to add or switch to a high-deductible or consumer-directed health plan with a health savings account, perhaps doubling the percentage of employers who offer such plans, Mercer said. A big reason is that employers say the recession isn't just crimping business; it's also expected to drive up their healthcare costs.