Employers cover 85 percent of health premiums
By · CommentsDENVER – Employers cover 85 percent of the average premium for their employee coverage, according to a new survey by the Denver-based Mountain States Employers Council.
The survey of 697 employers in Colorado and Wyoming found companies continuing to shoulder the lion’s share of providing health-care coverage to their workers despite rising premium costs.
“Health-care costs continue to be a major area of concern for employers,” said Michael Severns, MSEC president and CEO. “However, employers continue to pay for the majority of health-care premiums on behalf of their employees.”
The survey showed health-care costs rising 10 percent over 2008 levels but average health insurance premiums going up only 5 percent, according to the MSEC 2009 Health and Welfare Plans Survey.
The survey also showed more employers offering or considering offering consumer-driven plans such as Health Savings Accounts. The number of Colorado and Wyoming employers offering HSAs as an option increased from 7 percent to 21 percent over the last four years, the survey noted.
COMMENT: Sage Benefit Advisors specializes in group health insurance. For a free review, call 970-484-1250 or e-mail tim@sageba.com.
2009 Health Savings Account Limits
By · CommentsIf you have a health savings account (HSA) plan, please be advised of the new limits for 2009.
- Contribution Limit: $3000 individual ($5950 family)
- High-Deductible Health Plan Minimum Deductible: $1150 individual ($2300 family)
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum: $5800 individual ($11600 family)
- Over 55 Catch-Up Contribution: $1000 individual ($2000 if both spouses age 55 or older)
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of HSA plans, we have additional information on our HSA page.
To review HSA plan quotes (for individuals and families) use our free, online quoting system.
If you are an employer and want to learn more about HSA plans for your business, please call 970-484-1250 to speak with a benefits specialist.
