"Approximately 30 percent of workers have chronic 
medical conditions, which account for 65 percent 
of this nation's medical spend,"

"[P]rescription drug costs are expected to 
increase 9.3 percent, which is slightly lower 
than the 9.4 percent trend rate one year ago. The 
specialty pharmacy trend rate is 13.2 percent, up 
from 12.4 percent one year ago. Researchers 
concluded the sluggish rate of drug adoption 
(emphasis mine - Sylvia) across the board 
compounded by the FDA's reduced rate of drug 
approvals – especially for new molecular entities 
and biologic products – contributed to the decline.

In addition, the study found that healthcare rate 
increases for retirees over the age of 65 are 
projected to be 6.6 percent for Medicare 
Supplement plans and 7.3 percent for Medicare 
Advantage plans, down from 7.3 percent and 7.7 
percent, respectively, one year ago."

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