Employer-based coverage up in strong economy

MANAGED CARE October 2000. ©2000 MediMedia USA

Health insurance premiums rose 8.3 percent over the past year for all types of coverage, according to an annual survey of employers by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust. But while this was the highest increase since 1993, the robust economy is fueling competitive pressures that encourage more employers than ever to offer health coverage and resist the urge to pass premium hikes along to workers.

SOURCE: EMPLOYER HEALTH BENEFITS 2000 ANNUAL SURVEY, KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION, MENLO PARK, CALIF., AND HEALTH RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL TRUST, CHICAGO