Pandemic Factors Driving Predictions for 2022 Medical Cost Trends
b'This month, the PwC Health Research Institute (HRI) released its annual Medical Cost Trend report for 2022. Reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the report predicts a 6.5% medical cost trend in 2022, slightly lower than the 7% medical cost trend in 2021 and slightly higher than it was between 2016 and 2020.\\nOn this episode of Managed Care Cast, we speak with Trina Tsouderos, who leads HRI, and discuss some of the drivers behind those numbers, as patients who put off care begin to seek services, as workers carry a high burden of mental and emotional stress, and as health care systems invest as they plan ahead for the next crisis.'