Employers project that their group health-care plan costs will increase an average of 5.4 percent in 2012, a smaller increase than in recent years, Business Insurance reported.

A survey released yesterday by Mercer LLC showed a 6.9 percent average cost increase in 2010, 5.5 percent in 2009 and 6.3 percent in 2008. The 2011 average increase has not been released. It was projected to be as high as 10.1 percent at the beginning of the year.

Mercer, though, said the utilization of health-care services this year has slowed. The tough economy, along with higher deductibles and other forms of increased employee cost-sharing, may be affecting utilization.

“Because employees have less disposable income and are working longer hours, they are less likely to seek nonurgent care,” Mercer said in a statement.

In addition, utilization may be slowing due to the impact of employer programs aimed at earlier detection of health problems, Mercer said.

Findings are based on responses from 1,600 employers.