A recent study conducted by Mercer Marsh Benefits has shed light on the escalating healthcare expenses in India, attributing the surge to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular issues and cancer. This report, the Mercer Marsh Health Trends Report 2024, predicts an 11 percent increase in employer-sponsored health insurance costs in 2024, signifying a return to pre-pandemic levels and heightening financial pressures on organizations.

The study, encompassing insights from 223 insurers across 58 countries, emphasizes the pivotal role of digital transformation in curbing costs while enhancing healthcare accessibility. It underlines the shift towards digital outpatient services, tele/video consultations with medical practitioners, wearable devices, and remote patient monitoring, which have proven instrumental in improving affordability for both employees and organizations.

Interestingly, the report highlights that 70 percent of insurers globally anticipate the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on employer-sponsored healthcare within the next five years, particularly in streamlining diagnosis and navigation processes.

Despite strides towards inclusivity, the study exposes persisting gaps in India's healthcare benefits, especially concerning mental health, women's health, and support for individuals with disabilities. Prawal Kalita, Marsh India's Employee Benefits Leader, stressed the urgency for organizations to strike a balance between cost containment and providing comprehensive benefits tailored to the evolving workforce.

Kalita asserted, "Embracing outpatient primary healthcare, leveraging digital solutions, and revamping benefits strategies are critical steps for Indian organizations to manage escalating costs effectively. This approach not only addresses immediate financial pressures but also ensures accessible and robust healthcare plans for all employees, aiding talent retention and attraction."

The findings from the Mercer Marsh report serve as a call to action for Indian organizations to embrace technological innovations and inclusive healthcare strategies to navigate the burgeoning healthcare landscape effectively.