A survey of California employers released by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust (HRET) shows that premiums for employer sponsored health insurance increased 13.0% in 2002, six times California's inflation rate (2.1%). The average cost of health insurance in California continues to be lower than the national average due in part to high levels of HMO enrollment. California workers are now paying nearly a third more for premiums and many workers face higher cost-sharing for doctor's visits and prescriptions.
Please note that as of March 12, 2003 we have made the following change to the survey chartpack: In Chart #11 the average amount that California employers paid for coverage per employee in 2002 was $5,666.
