Chairman and CEO, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals

Millions of Americans are left with a sick feeling this time of year as the season for open enrollment in health care plans comes and goes. This fall hasn’t brought any relief for companies or their employees as health care costs continue to skyrocket.

Health premiums for businesses have risen at a double-digit clip for four straight years, and a similar spike is expected next year. The surge has caused workers to pay, on average, 50 percent more in out-of-pocket expenses since 2000, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Meanwhile, the managed care industry is poised for more strong gains, with profits projected to increase at least 16 percent next year.