Snapshot: Employer Health Insurance Costs in the United States

Publication Date: July 2007

Publisher: California HealthCare Foundation

Author(s): Christine Eibner; Kanika Kapur; M. Susan Marquis

Research Area: Health

Type: Brief

Abstract:

While many proposals to expand employer-based health insurance coverage are being discussed at the state level, businesses are concerned that the rising cost of providing such coverage is challenging their ability to compete in a global economy. This snapshot examines trends in employer-sponsored health insurance costs in the United States. It looks at the percentage of businesses offering coverage, the growth of insurance premium costs relative to salaries and wages, and the proportion of payroll that is taken up by premium contributions.