Healthcare premiums rise 22% (!!!) this year over last year

[CShine]

Even for those braced for the usual hits on the wallet every year at this time, the news this autumn is particularly grim. Nationally, employees' health insurance premiums are set to jump an average of 22 percent this year over last, according to benefits consulting firm Hewitt Associates. Employees can expect to pay an average of $1,565 for premiums, or about $290 more than last year; families will pay more, individuals less. On top of that, employee costs for co-pays and other out-of-pocket expenses are also expected to rise.

Federal employees can also expect increases, according to the Office of Personnel Management, which manages health care benefits for the federal government. Federal employees, on average, will see premium increases of $120 for individuals, while those with family coverage will pay about $288 more per year.



http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A26161-2003Oct27.html

[bluestateguy]

1. It's time to legislate the insurance companies out of existence...

They had their chance to stay in existence under the Clinton health care plan, but they did not want that, so now they will have to be put out of business. I would just as soon legalize narcotics, gambling and assault weapons before continuing to allow the insurance companies another day to continue making people's lives miserable.

[izzie]

2. They are going to take us for more money before they do go,

They are rich, and powerful.I hope mine does not go up I just have one that goes with the medicare.Or to help me in case. 2/3 of my income from one of my retirement has gone since Bush came in so I am really staring to hurt.Face value has not gone down but income has, after a grouth in value and income for 8 years, it is a blow. It did not grew in father Bush time either. So much for the money party.Now the Companies will get richer, but the payer, no.Would think more people would see this little fact.