Medical Economics December 8, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Insurance premiums for family coverage have increased 342% since 1999, outpacing worker earnings and inflation significantly.
- Hospital services have experienced the steepest price increase, nearly doubling since 2006, driving long-term cost growth.
- Health insurance prices were volatile during the COVID-19 pandemic, peaking in 2022 before normalizing by 2024.
- Prescription drug CPI growth is moderate but may understate the burden on patients with chronic conditions due to sampling limitations.
- The study provides a descriptive analysis, emphasizing the widening gap between premiums and wages, affecting patient care decisions and medical practice operations.
New JAMA analysis tracks employer-sponsored insurance, wages and inflation from 1999 to 2024.
Insurance premiums have risen faster than other major components of medical spending and...
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