Journal Article

Health Benefits In 2018: Modest Growth In Premiums, Higher Worker Contributions At Firms With More Low-Wage Workers

Rae, Matthew, Claxton, Gary, Long, Michelle, Damico, Anthony, Whitmore, Heidi

2018

Overview

The annual Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Employer Health Benefits Survey found that in 2018 the average annual premium for single coverage rose 3 percent to$6,896 and the average annual premium for family coverage rose 5 percent to $ 19,616. Covered workers contributed 18 percent of the cost for single coverage and 29 percent of the cost for family coverage, on average, with considerable variation across firms. Eighty-five percent of covered workers face a general annual deductible before they use most services, including the 29 percent of covered workers who are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan with a savings option. The share of firms covering services provided via telemedicine has increased steadily over the past several years. Nearly a quarter of large employers expect the elimination of the individual mandate to result in lower take-up in plan offerings.

• Publisher: The People to People Health Foundation, Inc., Project HOPE
• Subject: Averages / Companies / Cost control / Elimination / Employee benefits / Employees / Employers / Enrollments / Families & family life / Health / Health care policy / Health insurance / Health maintenance organizations / Health savings accounts / Health services / HMOs / Medical savings accounts / Medical technology / Older workers / PPOs / Premiums / Reimbursement / Response rates / Services / Small & medium sized enterprises-SME / Small business / Telecommunications / Telemedicine / Workers