Family healthcare costs outpacing wages, inflation

Editor's Note

Enrollees in large employer insurance plans are facing higher healthcare spending through rising premium contributions and increased cost-sharing, according to an August 14 report from the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Healthcare costs outpaced wage growth from 2008 to 2018, with employees spending $4,706 for premiums and $3,020 on out-of-pocket expenses in 2018, compared to $2,838 and $1,779, respectively, in 2008.

Families contributed 67% more to their health benefits in 2018 than they did in 2008, while employers contributed 51% more in premium contributions, and employee wages have increased only 26%.