Total health benefit cost rose by 6.1 percent in 2007, the same pace as last year, to an average of US$7,983 per employee, according to the National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans, conducted annually by Mercer.

The good news is that cost increases have held steady for three years (after spiking to nearly 15 percent in 2002) and are likely to slow a bit further in 2008. The bad news is that’s still more than twice the rate of inflation. Health cost growth is outpacing wages and material costs and eroding business profitability.

The survey report is now available for delivery at 50% off the original price.

You can order your copy now by purchasing it online. You will download a PDF with order and contact information, and your hard copy will be shipped by FedEx 2nd day within two business days. Buy the report and tables for US$500 or the report alone for US$250.

Order options for 2007 survey

 Order online

More information

 View survey highlights press release