* Estimate is statistically different from previous year shown at p<.05.

Fully insured plan: An insurance arrangement in which the employer contracts with a health plan to assume financial responsibility for the costs of enrollees’ medical claims.

Self-funded plan: An insurance arrangement in which the employer assumes direct financial responsibility for the costs of enrollees’ medical claims. Employers sponsoring self-funded plans typically contract with a third-party administrator or insurer to provide administrative services for the self-funded plan.

Note: Data on premium increases reflect the total cost of health insurance premiums for a family of four.

Source: Kaiser/HRET Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Benefits: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004; KPMG Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Benefits: 1998.