Workers Paying More of Health-Care Bills
09/02/2002
Wall Street Journal New York- A nationwide survey quantifies just how much more money workers are coughing up as part of their health plans. People who get family health insurance through their employers have to pitch in $2,084 on average this year toward the cost of that insurance, up 16% from 2001. Employees who get coverage just for themselves are contributing $454, up 27%. The figures come form a survey released yesterday by two non-profit research organizations, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust. Employees also are paying more out of pocket for doctor visits and drugs. Employees who ask for an expensive brand-name drug when a cheaper generic is available are paying $26 out of pocket on average, up from $21 a year ago. Also the average deductible rose 37% to $276 in the common "preferred provider" plans that encourage employees to use certain doctors and hospitals. Employers are paying an average of $5,870 for each employee with family coverage, up 12% from last year, and $2,606 for single coverage, up 14%.
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