Survey shows consumerism uptick in health benefits

Rising healthcare premiums are making U.S. workers less willing to choose plans with higher up-front costs, according a survey by consulting firm Watson Wyatt. A survey of large company employees shows that workers are significantly less willing to pay higher premiums to keep out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles and copays lower in 2008 compared with 2007. Only 19% of employees surveyed in 2008 were willing to opt for higher premiums, compared with 38% last year.