Natick, Massachusetts

By every indication, employee benefits—particularly health care—are primary concerns for American workers. As medical costs continue climbing, the issues will only become more critical for businesses of all sizes. Here is an assessment of what companies can look forward to in 2008 and beyond: 1. Rising costs in health care rates. Despite attempts to ameliorate bad news, costs will continue to go up and premiums will rise anywhere from 6 percent to 20 percent, depending on the plan and the group. The Towers Perrin annual health care cost survey for 2008 indicates a 7 percent increase, bringing the