The Agency for Research and Healthcare Quality (AHRQ), a division of the Department of Health and Human Resources, found that from 1996 to 2006, the average premium costs for an individual policy rose from $1,992 to $4,118, and the average premium costs for a family policy rose from $4,954 to $11,381.

The survey also shows that during the same period of time, the average share of the premium paid by employers rose from $3,679 to $8,491 per year for family coverage and $1,650 to $3,330 per year for single coverage. The average share an employee paid rose from $1,275 to $2,890 per year for family coverage and $342 to $788 per year for single coverage.

Even though employers paid for the majority of the premium increases from 1996 - 2006, the percentage share remained consistent during this time. Employers paid approximately 75 percent of family coverage and approximately 82 percent for individual coverage.

AHRQ collected the data from their Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). The MEPS, which began in 1996, is a set of large-scale surveys of families and individuals, their medical providers (doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, etc.), and employers across the United States. MEPS collects data on the specific health services that Americans use, how frequently they use them, the cost of these services, and how they are paid for, as well as data on the cost, scope, and breadth of health insurance held by and available to U.S. workers.

The survey provides additional evidence to policymakers that our nation’s health care system needs comprehensive reform. The trend of spiraling health costs must be addressed in order for individuals to have access to a quality healthcare system that is sustainable. NSBA is continuing to work with small business owners and members of Congress in order to bring meaningful, comprehensive reform to the health care system. LINKEDClick here to read NSBA’s principles for health care reform.