Employers spend over $800 billion annually on health benefits for their workers. And surprisingly, the largest single driver of that spending isn't cancer or heart disease — it's back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSK). Treating MSK costs employers $52 per month per enrollee, on average, according to an analysis from United Healthcare, the nation's largest private insurer. Cancer, moles and other tumorous growths collectively account for $43 per enrollee per month, and chronic circulatory conditions also cost $43 per enrollee per month.
Fortunately, employers can dramatically reduce this spending while improving both the quality of care and relief from pain their employees receive.
