Wisconsin Health Care Premiums Rise 4 Times Faster Than Earnings

Report Finds Coverage Offers Fewer Benefits, High Deductibles And Co-Pays

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Health care premiums are rising more than four times faster than what Wisconsinites are earning, according to a new report. A nonprofit consumer health care organization released a report on Monday that said that from 2000 to 2006, health care premiums rose by 66 percent in Wisconsin, while median earnings rose nearly 16 percent.

The report by Families USA said that that premiums for health care coverage provided through the workplace rose about $4,700 to nearly $12,000 annually during the six years. The median earnings of Wisconsin's workers increased about $3,800 to about $28,000 during the same time.

The report said that despite the increase in premiums, health care coverage offers fewer benefits and higher deductibles and co-payments.