Workers Paying More for Health Insurance

By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Medical News Reviewed By Michael Smith, MD

Sept. 9, 2002 -- You may be paying more than ever for health insurance, but you're actually getting less, according to a new survey. Researchers say rising healthcare costs and a fledgling economy have prompted the biggest increase in health insurance premiums in 12 years. And employers are passing along those added costs to their workers.

The survey shows that premiums paid by employers have risen 12.7% from spring 2001 to spring 2002 -- now totaling $3,060 for single coverage and $7,954 for family coverage. Meanwhile, the amount an employee pays for health insurance has grown by 27% to an average of $454 per year, and the employee-paid share for family coverage has gone up 16% to an average of $2,084 per year.
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