Survey: Premiums for Work-Based Family Plans Up 4.5%

Annual premiums for employer-based family health insurance have increased by 4.5% in 2012, down from a 9% increase in 2011, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research and Educational Trust's annual employer health benefits survey. The report also found that such premiums have increased by 97% since 2002, which is three times faster than rate increases for wages and inflation.

• "Premiums for Family Health Plans Hit $15,745" (Alonso-Zaldivar, AP/Sacramento Bee, 9/11).
• "Employer Health Premiums Increased 4% This Year, Survey Finds" (Terhune, "Money & Co.," Los Angeles Times, 9/11).