Health benefits in 2014: stability in premiums and coverage for employer-sponsored plans.

Gary Claxton, Matthew Rae, Nirmita Panchal, Heidi Whitmore, Anthony Damico, Kevin Kenward

Health affairs (Project Hope) 2014 Oct

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The annual Kaiser Family Foundation/Health Research and Educational Trust Employer Health Benefits Survey found that in 2014 the average annual premium (employer and worker contributions combined) for single coverage was $6,025, similar to 2013. The premium for family coverage was $16,834--3 percent higher than a year ago. Average deductibles and most other cost-sharing amounts were similar to those in 2013. On average, in 2014 covered workers paid nearly $5,000 per year for family health insurance premiums, and 18 percent of covered workers were in a plan with an annual single coverage deductible of $2,000 or more. Fifty-five percent of employers offered health benefits in 2014, similar to 2013. The Affordable Care Act has not yet led to substantial changes in the employer-based market. However, the next few years could present a different picture as delayed provisions and other changes take effect. This year's survey included new questions on firms' policies related to enrolling spouses and dependents, enrollment in private exchanges, and the use of narrow networks and financial incentives for wellness programs. Project HOPE—The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.

Citation

Gary Claxton, Matthew Rae, Nirmita Panchal, Heidi Whitmore, Anthony Damico, Kevin Kenward. Health benefits in 2014: stability in premiums and coverage for employer-sponsored plans. Health affairs (Project Hope). 2014 Oct;33(10):1851-60