Health Care Costs Rose by 6.1% in 2005

December 11, 2006 Health Care Costs Rose by 6.1% in 2005 Nationwide, the cost of employer-sponsored health benefits rose by an average of 6.1% in 2005-2006, the same increase as in 2004-2005; employers expect health costs to rise by another 6.1% in 2007. The cost increase rate represents a slowing from the 14.7% growth in 2002. Cost increases have slowed substantially from the 1990 rate of 17.1%. Nearly one-third (31%) of employers indicated that they may select health plans with higher deductibles or reduced benefits in the future. Employers reported the . . .