Workers Perception of Health Care Cost Increases Greater than Reality

September 27, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - According to the recent "Getting Paid In America" survey conducted by the American Payroll Association, for 67% of Americans, the perception of health care costs increase is 40% -80% higher than the actual increase.

When asked how much the cost of health insurance increased in 2009, 67% of respondents guessed 7% or 9%.  A press release said the actual increase for 2009 was 5%, according to the 2009 Employer Health Benefits survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research & Education Trust.  

Forty-three percent of employees indicated that health benefits are more important than higher wages.  

Forty-five percent of workers surveyed said they participate in a Flexible Spending Account provided by their employer. Four in ten said their employer offers one, but they do not participate, and 13% said their employer doesn’t offer an FSA.  

Complete results of the survey are here.

«