The cost of employer-sponsored health insurance will rise by nearly 9 percent next year, says a report issued by corporate consulant group Hewittt Associates.
Hewitt based their figure on a survey of 1,800 health plans covering more than 18 million people. They found that the average annual per-employee costs will rise from $7,982 this year to $8,676 next year. Of that, employees will pay about one-fifth out-of-pocket.
Amazingly, this increase comes at the same time that health care cost increases are declining. (Yes, that's a bit confusing, but if you parse it out, the irony becomes clear.)
But no -- we don't need socialized medicine. The market is always efficient!
Employer-Sponsored Health Plan Costs Expected To Increase 8.7% in 2008, According to Study [Kaiser Daily Reports]
Hewitt Associates Data Reveals Rate of Increases for U.S. Health Care
Costs Declines for Fifth Consecutive Year [Hewitt Associates]
