Study: Fla. health premiums grow slower than U.S.

Florida heath insurance premiums have grown slower than the rest of the nation, according to a study by the Commonwealth Fund, which said the Affordable Care Act would lessen that growth in coming years.

Looking at federal data, the New York-based nonprofit found that the average single-employee health insurance premium in Florida was $4,488 in 2009, up 25 percent from $3,592 in 2003. Nationwide, single-employee premiums rose 34 percent, to $4,669 from $3,481.

Family health insurance premiums in Florida were $12,912, on average, in 2009, up 38 percent from $9,331 in 2003. Nationwide, they increased 41 percent, to $13,027 from $9,249.

Because the recession has put a damper on salaries, Floridians are putting more of their wages toward health insurance. The average health insurance premium in Florida accounted for 18 percent of the statewide median household income in 2009.

In addition to that, employers are requiring workers to pay more out-of-pocket expenses. The average deductibles for Florida health insurance plans was $983 for single employees and $1,949 for families in 2009, up from $576 and $1,218 in 2003. Both are significantly higher than the national deductible averages.