Up, Up, & Away With Employee Health Costs in 2011

Open enrollment begins Oct. 25. Employee costs of health care are going to rise. (Surprised?)

You may not recall that UC uses a progressive system in four brackets so that higher paid employees pay more for health care. In 2010, the four annual salary brackets ($ 000s) were $46 and below, $46+ to $92, $92+ to $137, and $137+ and above. The brackets adjust upwards in 2011 to $47 and below, $47+ to $93, $93+ to $140, and $140+ and above.

As an example, Anthem Blue Cross PPO for the employee only (no dependents) in the four brackets will cost (per month) $93.32 (up 5.3%), $126.47 (up 5.5%), $160.49 (up 5.6%), and $195.71 (up 5.8%). Of course, costs are higher when you add dependents. Anthem Blue Cross PPO for a family with 2 adults and children in the top bracket is over $600/month.

Details for 2011 are at http://atyourservice.ucop.edu/employees/health_welfare/medical/medical_plan_costs_2011.html

You can compare the 2011 rates with 2010 by looking at the above reference and http://atyourservice.ucop.edu/employees/health_welfare/medical/costs/costs.html

Music for comparing the rising (ballooning?) costs at: