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October 20, 2005
2006 Health Expense 3 Times Higher Than Pay Increase
Workers, however, will receive an average base salary increase of just 3.6 percent next year, according to Hewitt Associates' 29th annual survey of more than 1,000 organizations. That's the same that workers received nationwide this year.
Employees are expected to spend an average of $3,136 next year in premiums, deductibles and co-pays, a 12 percent increase from this year, according to Hewitt.
"So that means our entire raise — plus a little extra — is going to pay for those higher health care costs," said Ken Abosch, business leader in the talent consulting group for the Lincolnshire, Ill.-based firm. "Plus, we're paying more for energy."
Let’s review the above numbers. Employers are planning a national average wage increase of 3.6%. But, employees premiums, deductibles, and co-pays increased 12% -- or 3 times their pay increase. Thanks, boss.
But, it gets better. Let's look at this year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage of non-supervisory workers rose from $15.90 to $16.18 this year, and increase of 1.76%. At the same time, the inflation index increased from 190.7 to 198.8%, an a 4.24% increase – almost 2.5 times the increase in base salary.
So, the average wage increase is going to necessities like health insurance and oil increases, leaving the average person little room for personal expenditures.
The plight of the middle class continues.
Posted by Hale Stewart at October 20, 2005 09:11 AM | Permalink
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