In somewhat troubling news for the more than 160 million Americans who get their healthcare through employer-sponsored programs, almost 10% of those employers say they’ll likely drop health coverage for their workers in the next three years, blaming rising medical costs.

The good news is that 81% of companies say they’ll continue to provide health benefits, with another 10% saying they’re unsure what will happen as new rules begin under the Affordable Care Act in 2014, according to a survey cited by the Los Angeles Times.

The average cost for healthcare benefits rose by 9% last year, while wages only grew 2.1%. Employers are now trying to find new ways to provide health benefits.

Some might institute defined-contribution plans where workers get a fixed amount of money and allow them to buy to buy their own insurance on the open market or in a private exchange.

Others are checking out contracting with hospitals and large physician groups to get the best deals out there and cut down on the costs they have to pay out to insure their workers. Employers in the survey cited hospitals as the top reason those medical costs are on the uptick. Additional reasons include unhealthy lifestyles leading to more health issues, as well as inefficiencies in the system.

Nearly 10% of employers to drop health benefits, survey finds [Los Angeles Times]

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