Report: Health care costs to rise 9 pct in 2010

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A consulting firm estimates employers who offer health insurance coverage could see a 9 percent cost increase next year.
    The report released to The Associated Press from PricewaterhouseCoopers says workers may face an even bigger hit.
    The firm says costs will rise in part because workers worried about losing their jobs are using their health care more while they still have it. The report also says rising unemployment is driving up medical costs.
    The firm says health care reform legislation currently being hashed out in Congress likely will have little impact on next year’s costs but the intense focus on health care may slow price increases.