"The cost of providing employee health care benefits at the nation's largest employers is projected to increase 7% in 2014 -- the third consecutive year employers have budgeted this amount, according to a new survey by the National Business Group on Health ... The survey -- one of the industry's first look at costs and plan design changes for 2014 -- also found that some employers believe health insurance exchanges could be a viable option for certain populations. Additionally, more companies plan to offer workers a consumer-directed health plan as their only health benefits option in 2014."

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