The recession compels employers to reduce their health care costs, but some workers have upped utilization of their coverage, fearing that layoffs and reduce health benefits are on the way, reports the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.

“Plan participants are feeling anxious about the possibility of increased cost-sharing and a reduction in benefits due to the financial crisis,” says Sally Natchek, senior director of research at IFEBP. “These fears are not unfounded,” she adds.

In a recent survey by the group, about one-third of plan sponsors have noted an upswing in the number of participants filling prescriptions and engaging in costly medical procedures before their insurance expires.

Furthermore, 24% of plan sponsors have witnessed growth in the number of participants adding dependents to their plans. Correspondingly, 17.8% of employers have introduced or are contemplating dependent eligibility audits.

Even though a very small percentage (3.6%) of plan sponsors will no longer offer or are considering terminating their health care benefits altogether, many are looking into cost-sharing approaches, reports the April survey.

For example, 35% of plan sponsors are increasing employee deductibles, coinsurance or copays due to the current financial predicament. Almost the same proportion is also increasing employee premium contributions.

Other cost-sharing options that employers are examining include adding consumer-driven health plans as a possible election (12.8%), replacing a current plan with a consumer-driven plan (9.6%) and instituting spousal charges (10.8%).

For those employees who still have a secure job, many are delaying medical care and scrimping on prescription drugs because of economic troubles, according to about one-fifth of plan sponsors.

On the brighter side, employers have shifted focus and costs toward wellness initiatives, as 18% have rolled out or are thinking of introducing wellness programs due to the economy.

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