While employers in other states are choosing to remove themselves entirely from group health insurance (our blog, Jan 24, 2007), the emerging trend in Florida is to still offer group health insurance but with high deductibles often running into thousands of dollars. The Miami Herald (Jan 27, 2008) cites one example of a Burger King employee with a $4,500 deductible for his family's health coverage. Together with Watson Wyatt, the newspaper has conducted a survey among South Florida businesses, with the common theme being the switch to high deductible, low premium plans.

Realizing the impact of having healthier personnel, many South Florida employers have also introduced, or are planning to introduce, a wide variety of wellness programs, the study adds. Such programs include everything from yoga classes and on-site clinics to weight management classes and fitness club memberships.

For companies, the advantage is clear - reducing their benefit costs. For employees, the distinction is less tangible. In the article proponents point to the independence given to consumers in controlling their own health plans. Detractors argue that high deductibles discourage less well-off employees from seeking treatment or preventive care.

Right or wrong, as long as the cost of health insurance continues skyward, employers will continue to seek different ways to work around the issue. Florida Health Insurance has more details on health insurance and health plans in Florida.