Report: Missouri health premiums rising faster than earnings

[CaroleG]

Health care premiums are rising faster than earnings in Missouri, according to a report released Wednesday by a group that promotes universal health care.

The report by Families USA shows health care premiums for families rose by 61 percent in Missouri - three times faster than earnings - over the last six years. Missouri workers' income rose by only 18.9 percent, according to the study.

The report points to the rising number of uninsured Missourians - now about 700,000 - and surging health care costs as two reasons for the increase in premiums.

The Washington-based nonprofit group that promotes universal health care said that Missouri's increase in health care premiums is still below the national increase of about 70 percent in that period.

"I suspect in the next year and the following years Missouri will get closer to the national average," said Ron Pollack, director of Families USA. "Missouri families have been hit hard in the pocketbooks due to skyrocketing health costs and stagnant wages."


http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/15789827.htm

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. Tell me about it

I can't afford to retire because of the cost of health insurance.