Health plan sponsors once again reported premium costs rising faster than the rates of both inflation and wage increases for 2018, while family premium costs have risen 55% in the last decade, according to the annual Kaiser Health Benefits Survey. Sadly, few people are likely to find this surprising. For those following the trends, or managing employer health plans, it’s nothing new. For nearly 30 years, insurance market observers have felt the pace of healthcare insurance cost was unsustainable, making it a popular topic during election cycles.

INSURANCE—OPTIONS AND ACCOUNTS

The National Business Group on Health projected 2019 increases ...