News For: Oregon health InsuranceHealth 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. 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... Health insurance coverage of mental illnesses gets push Congress on Tuesday moved close to final approval of a bill that would require group health insurance plans to provide more generous coverage for treatment of mental illnesses, comparable to what they already provide for physical illnesses. The Senate approved the legislation as part of a tax bill promoting the use of alternative fuels, including wind and solar power. The bill, passed by a vote ... 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 Wed, Sep 24, 2008 7:21 a.m. 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. Looking for Free or Low-cost Health Insurance? - It's no secret that accessing health care is a challenge for the 47 million Americans who are uninsured. Lack of health insurance forces many Americans to choose the health care they receive based on what they can afford, not what they actually need. Health-Care Costs for U.S. Employers Rise 5 Percent, Study Says Sept. 24 -- Employer-sponsored health insurance for a family cost an average of $12,680 this year, a 5 percent increase from 2007, a survey of U.S. businesses found. Rise in health care premiums outpaces inflation and wages 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 an annual survey of employers. Meanwhile, a growing number of workers at smaller firms are getting less coverage for their money as health plans with high deductibles ... Pay lags costs for health coverage The cost of health insurance premiums rose 5.3 times as fast as the median wage in North Carolina over the last eight years, according to a report released Wednesday by Families USA, a national advocacy group. Mental health groups make final push for parity Many people battling addiction or suffering from mental health problems could get better health insurance coverage under legislation that has widespread, bipartisan support but still faces some hurdles before getting to President Bush for his signature. Patients seeking treatment for depression or schizophrenia often face greater restrictions with their health insurance coverage than do ... |

