California Cities Among Those With Lowest Health Insurance Premiums
Seven of the eight U.S. cities with the least-expensive health insurance premiums are in California, according to a study released Wednesday by eHealthInsurance Services, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
The survey compared health insurance premiums among approximately 4,000 different insurance products offered by 140 carriers. Premiums were compared for a 30-year-old nonsmoker with no serious health problems looking for a plan with a $1,000 deductible and 20% cost sharing.
The survey found that Long Beach, Sacramento, Fresno, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco and Oakland were among the cities with the lowest average monthly health insurance premiums, ranging from $54 to $58 per month. Nationwide, New York City had the highest monthly rates at $334.09.
Bob Hurley, vice president of eHealthInsurance, said California's lower monthly premiums likely can be attributed to high enrollment in HMOs and the overall health-conscious lifestyle of California residents. He added that competition among insurers, hospitals and medical groups also hold down premiums (Colliver, San Francisco Chronicle, 6/23).