Wis. Health Premiums Up 7 Percent

August 30, 2005

Average premiums for health care plans rose 7.2 percent in southeastern Wisconsin compared with a 9.6 percent increase nationally, according to a survey released by United Benefit Advisors, an employee benefits advisory organization.

The organization polled 125 employers in southeastern Wisconsin and more than 8,700 employers nationwide with at least 25 employees, said Matt Weimer, director of group operations for Diversified Insurance Services Inc., Waukesha.

The survey will allow "companies to compare their design against other employers of similar size and industry code,'' Weimer said. "A lot of times, smaller employers aren't participating in larger surveys.''

Average premiums for single coverage rose to $352 in southeastern Wisconsin and $327 nationally, the survey said.