National survey: Premium rates up 4%

The annual national study of health insurance premiums by the Kaiser Family Foundation has found that last year rates for employees and their families increased by 4 percent to $15,745, the lowest rate of growth seen in recent years (Source: "Increase in health premiums slows," Columbus Dispatch, Sept. 12, 2012).

The average annual cost for individual coverage increased by 3 percent, to $5,615, according to the KFF report.

While the increase was less than in recent years, it still far outpaces rises in wages and inflation. Researchers speculate that the slowed growth could be related to the economic slowdown or an increase in consumer-directed plans, although there is no data that can pinpoint the reason.