Health Insurance Premiums

With a few exceptions, growth in health insurance premiums has been outpacing overall inflation and increases in workers earnings since the late 1980s.

Annual Growth Rates for Health Insurance Premiums, Workers Earnings, and Overall Inflation, 1988-2007

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research & Educational Trust, 1999-2008 Survey of Employer Health Benefits Report.

Workers have been paying more per year for health benefits in the workplace, but they continue to pay the same share of total premiums.

Average Monthly Worker Premium Contribution, 1988-2007

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research & Educational Trust, 1999-2008 Survey of Employer Health Benefits Report.

Percentage of Premium Paid by Covered Workers, 1988-2007

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research & Educational Trust, 1999-2008 Survey of Employer Health Benefits Report.