Bennington
Cost of Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance Plans Rises Again
WASHINGTON — The price health insurance companies charge for employer-sponsored plans increased again this year, as did the deductible many people must pay before those plans begin covering most healthcare costs, according to a survey released Thursday by the nonpartisan…
About Employer health insurance costs
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Key points
- Employer health insurance costs rose 5% this year, with family plans reaching an average of $28,303.
- Employees saw their personal contribution for family health plans jump 9% to $7,471 annually.
- The average health insurance deductible for single coverage reached $1,995, more than double the 2011 average.
Washington NewsWK — Workers Across Bennington County face higher paycheck deductions this year as health coverage becomes more expensive. Total employer health insurance costs rose 5% over the past year. Local families must now navigate these growing expenses alongside everyday household costs.
How do employer sponsored health insurance premiums affect local workers?
Rising costs are shrinking take-home pay for local employees who rely on company benefits. Single health coverage now averages $9,804 annually, with workers contributing $1,672. Meanwhile, family plans reached $28,303 per year. Employers pay $20,833 of that family total, leaving employees to cover $7,471.
Employees saw notable jumps in personal contributions from 2025 to 2026:
- Single plan contributions grew by $232, a 16% increase.
- Family plan contributions climbed by $621, a 9% increase.
Drew Altman, chief executive officer of KFF, noted growing financial strain on families. “Now add a 9% increase in what workers with employer coverage paid toward family premiums in 2026 to the reasons voters are so concerned about their health care costs,” Altman stated.
Why are historical trends creating broader cost pressures?
Health insurance prices have increased steadily over the past 15 years for workers and business owners. In 2011, individual plans averaged under $5,500 and family coverage totaled $15,220.
How does the average health insurance deductible affect out-of-pocket spending?
Higher deductibles mean workers pay thousands of dollars before insurance benefits begin. The average health insurance deductible reached $1,995 for single coverage this year, up from $955 in 2011. Data from the KFF health insurance survey shows that 88% of covered workers now face a deductible.
How does benefit coverage vary across company sizes?
Benefit offerings often depend directly on company size. Large firms with over 200 workers offer specialized care more frequently than smaller businesses. Survey data from over 1,900 employers highlighted key coverage differences:
- In vitro fertilization coverage reached 27% among large firms, rising to 47% at giant companies.
- GLP-1 drug coverage for weight loss sat at 18% among large firms in 2026, down from 19% in 2025.
- About 40% of companies covering GLP-1 weight loss drugs require lifestyle programs or dietitian meetings.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Sources
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