Annual premiums for employer-sponsored family health coverage increase once again in 2011.

$15,073 is the amount Annual premiums for employer-sponsored family health coverage increased in 2011.

2.3 million young adults were added to their parents' family health insurance policies, reflecting the health reform provision that allows young adults up to age 26 to be covered as dependents.

“This year's 9% increase in premiums is especially painful for workers and employers struggling through a weak recovery.” – Drew Altman.

The 2011 9% premium increase outpaces workers' wages (2.1%) and inflation (3.2%).

Grandfathered plans also are a significant coverage option, the survey finds, with 56% of covered workers falling into these plans, which are exempted from certain health reform requirements. Some of the exemptions include covering preventive benefits with no cost sharing and providing an external appeals process. To qualify, no significant plan changes can be made that reduce benefits or increase employee cost. 23% of covered workers are enrolled in plans that adjusted cost-sharing requirements for preventive services because of the health reform law that states non-grandfathered plans must provide certain preventive benefits without cost sharing. Another 31% of covered workers participate in plans that modified their preventive services because of health reform.

“The law is helping millions of young adults to obtain health coverage. In the past, many of these young adults would have lost coverage when they left home or graduated college.” – Gary Claxton

Instant Insights /

Premiums take another big leap in 2011, while HDHPs pick up market share

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