I was just listening to a report that says health care costs have risen 129 percent since 1999 here in the USA. Wow. I didn't realize it was that much. My wages sure have not gone up that much.In California, in the last eight years, Californian workers have seen their premiums increase by 95.8% and wages increase by 19%.
PREMIUMS VS. PAYCHECKS: A Growing Burden for Workers, September 2008 Throughout the first eight years of the new millennium, health care costs have skyrocketed, while working families’ wages have stood still. Other factors have also threatened families’ economic well-being, including rising gasoline prices and the downturn in the housing market, but the confluence of stagnant wages and rising health care costs has become a significant strain on family budgets. Numerous national studies have documented this damage. As important as these studies are, they do not reflect the varying burdens experienced by families in different states. Just as labor markets, health systems, and economic circumstances vary from one state to another, the impact caused by rising health care costs and stagnant earnings differs considerably among the 50 states. In 2006, Families USA undertook the first state-by-state analysis of growing health care premiums versus stagnant earnings in the new millennium. Since then, state economies have weakened, while health insurance premiums have continued their upward trend. Health care costs are now an even greater burden on American families. These reports, which are based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Health and Human Services, examine what these trends mean for working families. We pay for our own group policy. Self Employed. With our premiums and meds. (remember I also take meds for MS) we spent for my hubby and myself for healthcare , ins, meds a whopping $ 20,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! last year. ( I get pissed when I think of it, so I try not to) What I had to do was form a group with our youngest employee in our Sales Center and My husband and partners (my sister and her hubby) formed a group in our Investment Company. We were all grouped together at first then they started maxing out our group after I was DX with MS about 8 years ago. So we had to make the split. Even though we pay 2 deductibles it was still cheaper. Now that my sister and hubby are all older it wasn’t as cost effective any longer, so I was moved to my husbands policy This year. Still over 1,100.00 a month. Depressing when I think of it. I figure it will go up. Rather think about ...Chocolate I
It is sad. I was thrilled for my 21 year old son when he got excellent insurance through the pipe fitters union. I told him it was like getting a huge raise. Of course at 21 they dont realize the true benefit. My daughter has excellent insurance she is a teacher and her hubby is a city police officer so they both had excellent policy to choose from. I would love to stop working. I just can not afford it. I have however cut my schedule back to 3 days a week. I did this mostly because of fatigue related to MS. I have learned to pace myself. I also have a "Connie"....Connie is a woman who has worked for my family for years cleaning once a week at our home and office. She raised her daughter cleaning homes, offices, etc. I have alot of repect for her. She pays taxes and financed a nice little vehichle. When her daughter grew up and moved out she moved in with my husband and me and the family. Our home is 4 bed and 3 1/2 bath. She has her own living area. Connie takes care of house cleaning and laundry, some errands etc. I do the cooking. She lives here rent free. It really has worked out wonderfully. She leaves very early in the am. Sometimes i dont see her for a day ot two. But my laundry and house is always looking good. She has been with us a couple years and it works for us. She is older than me and my hubby. She plans to stay forever. Still would like to downsize our home. my kids love connie, she is like family.Oh, it would be nice to have someone to clean my house now and then. You are very fortunate to have someone like Connie. I agree. Sorta like ALICE from the Brady Bunch....except she doesnt cook and we don't have 8 million kids...lol
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