Policy Group Says Large Private Employers Key To Health-Care Reform

ByJohn S. McClenahen Whether trends toward higher U.S. health-care costs, more limited access and inadequate quality can be reversed depends on the willingness of major businesses to confront these challenges, concludes a study from the Committee for Economic Development (CED). Among CED's specific recommendations is the suggestion that companies offer employees a wide range of health-plan options in exchange for workers taking greater financial responsibility. Another recommendation is that companies structure their contributions to health-care coverage in a way that encourages cost discipline, but that, at the same time, companies also remain active in screening and negotiation with health plans, in managing benefits and in promoting quality care. New York-based CED is nonprofit public policy group of about 200 business leaders and university presidents.