Exhibit 2.8: Average Increase in Total Retiree Health Costs, by Firm Size, 2001-2004
The total cost of retiree health care (firm and participant contributions) in large firms that offer retiree benefits rose by 13% on average in 2003, a slower growth rate than the 16% cost increase in 2001.
Notes: Based on responses from private-sector firms with 1,000 or more employees that offer retiree health benefits.
Source: Kaiser Family Foundation/Hewitt Associates, Current Trends and Future Outlook for Retiree Health Benefits: Findings from the Kaiser/Hewitt 2004 Survey on Retiree Health Benefits, December 2004, Exhibit 5, at http://www.kff.org/medicare/7194/retiree_ben_sec2.cfm.
