Friday, September 10, 2004

Health Premiums Continue to Outpace Inflation
See Reuters Health story at Medscape - "The rate of increase in health insurance premiums slowed slightly in 2004, according to a new survey, but health costs continue to rise five times faster than worker wages or general inflation. Consumers are also paying a larger share of their own health bills, as employers pass costs along, found the survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research and Educational Trust. Since 2000, the average worker's monthly premium has risen from $28 to $47, and the contribution for family coverage has risen from $135 to $222." See also Employer Health Benefits 2004 Annual Survey at the Kaiser Family Foundation web site.