According to a Kaiser Foundation study, the cost of health insurance premiums continues to climb for companies and workers, with annual family premiums this year (2011) growing at a pace triple of 2010 and outpacing wage increases. Family premiums in employer sponsored health plans increased 9% in 2011 and single premiums increased 8% compared to3% and 5% last year.
Since 2001 premiums have increased 113% and now average more than $15,000 per year! 31% of those insured are paying $1000 before insurance even kicks in.
One of the few benefits is that young adults under age 26 can still get health insurance under their parent's family plan.