Family health care premiums rose an estimated three to five times faster than earnings for workers in Western states from 2000 through 2009, according to a report issued by the consumer health organization Families USA.
In California, for example, family health insurance premiums rose by 109.2 percent during the period, while median earnings rose by only 25.5 percent. In California, the average annual health insurance premium for family coverage (employer and worker share of premiums combined) during 2000 to 2009 rose from $6,227 to $13,026, or 109.2 percent, while the median earnings of California workers rose from $25,740 to $32,304, or 25.5 percent.
In Alaska, the average annual premium rose from $7,456 to $14,226, or 91 percent, which was five times faster than earnings rose.
In Washington state, the average premium rose five times faster also, from $6,500 to $13,860, or 113 percent.
In Arizona, the average premium rose three times faster than earnings, from $6,767 to $13,066, or 93.1 percent.
In Colorado, the average premium rose four times faster, from $6,797 to $12,705, or 86.9 percent.
In Oregon, Utah and New Mexico, the average premium also rose four times faster than earnings.
The report, which has been issued since 2006, is based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Topics California USA
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