Company Health Insurance Costs up 50%

It was a long time coming. After many years of very affordable health insurance, my company finally decided to share the cost with its employees. The health insurance premium for 2008 goes up 50% (from $600/year to $900/year). The deductible and out-of-pocket max also increases to $300/family member and $1,000/family member respectively while coverage decreases by 10% to 90% in-network and 70% out-of-network.

The company is offering a second plan at no premium cost, but with lower coverage (80% in-network, 60% out-of-network) and hefty deductible ($500/family member) and out-of-pocket max ($1,500/family member). This plan will cost me less if my family stays healthy, but a lot more if we have a major medical event.

These costs are probably still well within the national average. But it is a bit of a wake-up call after having been spoiled for so long. On the plus side, the company offers a gym membership free of charge. So there is no excuse not to stay healthy!