News For: Maryland health InsuranceHealth insurance premiums up 5 percent, study finds Premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance rose a modest 5 percent this year, according to a nationwide survey released Wednesday morning -- numbers that are close to what South Florida employers are reporting. 2009 health-insurance forecast: less coverage, more cost Most workers will see “skimpier and less comprehensive” employer-based health insurance coverage next year, according to an outlook released today. Health insurance costs grow more gradually in 2008 -- Health insurance premiums rose a modest 5 percent this year for coverage that's getting skimpier, researchers say. The 5 percent increase was comparable to last year's uptick. Overall, premiums for family coverage increased to $12,680 and premiums for single coverage increased to $4,704, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust. Employers ... New Bedford area lags in health insurance enrollments BOSTON ��� SouthCoast is seeing some gains under Massachusetts' new health insurance mandate, but the poorest parts of the region are lagging behind the state average, according to health care officials. Workers pay more, get less in health benefits American workers are paying more for their employer-backed health insurance and getting skimpier benefits - a troubling trend that authors of a new study say offsets a moderation in premium increases. Health insurance premiums rose a modest 5 percent this... SAVE THE DATE: Forum scheduled on health insurance The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey will present an informational session on employer health insurance markets, 8:30 a.m. Friday. Survey finds slower rise in cost of health benefits The average cost of health insurance for employers and employees nationally increased at its slowest pace in a decade, according to a widely followed survey. Australian govt to water down health insurance plan CANBERRA, Sept 23 Reuters - The Australian government will water down plans to reform private health insurance in order to win support in the upper house Senate to pass the new laws, Health Minister Nicola Roxon said on Tuesday. Health care pinches workers Premiums are up 5 percent this year, and employees at small firms get less coverage WASHINGTON -- Premiums for job-based health insurance are up 5 percent in 2008 and have more than doubled since 1999, a growth rate that far outpaces inflation and the increase in workers' wages over the same period, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation annual survey of employers.Meanwhile, a growing ... East Providence workers' new contract hikes health-care contributions EAST PROVIDENCE ��� The city���s clerks, janitors and other members of the local steel workers union entered into a multi-year contract recently that doesn���t raise their salaries this coming year, but increases their health insurance contributions. |

