Health insurance premiums increased in 2012, but by a slower rate than in past years, according to a study released recently by the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research & Educational Trust.
As reported by The New York Times, annual premiums for a family’s employer-sponsored health insurance averages $15,745 in 2012, which reflects a 4% increase over last year’s premium costs. Last year the study found family premiums increased by 9% over 2010 costs. Annual premiums for a single employee also increased in 2012 to an average of $5,615, a 3% increase from last year.
According to news reports, the slow recovery from the recession could partly explain the slower rise in premiums. Consumers have been using fewer health care services during the economic downturn, keeping health care spending and insurance premiums rising more slowly than in past years.
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