From 2014 to 2016, the average monthly premium rose 5.0% across all industries and demographic groups combined. This slow growth stands in stark contrast to the double-digit inflation experienced in health premiums of previous decades.
While the total plan cost increased by 2.8% over 2014-15 and 2.1% over 2015-16, the amount of premium paid by firms increased as well—by 3.1% and 2.5%, respectively. One explanation is that employers may be working to make plans more affordable for lower-wage workers.