Depending on your view of the general state of corporate benefits, here’s some potentially good news: They’re unlikely to change this year, according to a recent study by human resources consultant Hewitt Associates.

When the financial crisis hit last year, many companies slashed their benefits plans as a way to cut costs. But this year American employers are taking a “wait and see” attitude, Hewitt reports.

Still, employees will likely end up footing larger bills. Hewitt estimates that health care costs will rise 6% to $9,120, up from $8607 in 2009. At the same time, employees’ share of the cost, including premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, is expected to rise 10% to $4,023.

That rise in cost could be tough for workers if they see just a 1.8% salary increase this year, like they did in 2009, the report notes.

Source: BusinessWeek – Management IQ