EMPLOYEES PAYING EVER-BIGGER SHARE FOR HEALTH CARE

Article Abstract:

Most big employers raised the amount that employees must pay for their health benefits this year, and 79 percent of companies say they will raise the amounts again in 2004. Health care premiums rose 13.9 percent in 2003, ahead of the 11 percent rise in spending for doctors and hospitals, and way out of line with the 2.4 percent rise in manufacturers' prices. Experts say the rising costs are a function of advances in drugs and health care technology, combined with relaxation of managed care controls during the boom years of the 1990s decade. Although employers still pay at least 75 percent of health benefit costs, most companies are shifting costs to their employees, making deductibles, co-payment for hospitalization and prescription drugs higher and more frequent. Experts expect the situation to become worse for employees, given the sorry state of the economy and the swift pace of inflation.

Science & research, Labor Distribution by Employer, Research, Analysis, Statistics, Medical care, Cost of, Health care costs, Cost shifting (Medical care)

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Bush Health Savings Accounts Slow to Gain Acceptance

Article Abstract:

Very few employees are choosing to switch to President Bush's new health savings plan. The plan allows employees to create a tax free savings account to be used for medical expenses. With higher deductibles the plan is expensive, but may be advantageous for healthy people.

Government domestic functions, Services information, Services, Bush, George W., Medical savings accounts, Health policy, Health savings accounts, Flexible spending accounts

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Cost of Insuring Workers' Health Increases 11.2%

Article Abstract:

Employee health insurance premiums have risen dramatically in the past few years, and after an 11.2 percent increase this year, small businesses are especially feeling a financial crunch.

Government expenditures, Financial management, Small Business, Health aspects, Finance, Economic policy, Company financing, Kerry, John F., SOHO

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