Any idea why such a large increase?

Just checked, our premiums have gone up 130% since 2007.

We had a group plan under the business until this year, now we have an individual/family plan. Don't think that makes much difference, though, because the group plan premiums were steadily increasing as well.

Also, see jbr's thread entitled "Nearly one in 30 children every year experiences homelessness."

In comments there you'll note another dire stat I spotted in that report, namely that Tennessee ranks 50th in the nation for "child well-being," for which criteria being measured include health.

We had 3 of 4 employees participating in our small business plan with United Healthcare. The proposed increase was 21%. We hired a 29 y-o male and when he elected to participate in the health coverage, the increase dropped to 2%.

I'm finding the CHA to be very competitive this year- quite the opposite of last year.

For just about the same price as my $3500 Deductable, $3500 out of pocket, co-pay NA plan I am looking at a $2000 deductible, $4,000 OoP, 20% co pay plan. Which seems to be a better plan unless you get very sick.

Not sure how it compares if I get sick out of state, I need to research this.

And supposedly the rate of growth in overall healthcare costs is the lowest it has been in years.

WLP $129.1973 0.1573 0.12% 11/18/2014 16:55 | After Hours

WLP Key Statistics

Financial Highlights
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year Ends: Dec 31
Most Recent Quarter (mrq): Sep 30, 2014
Profitability
Profit Margin (ttm): 3.04%
Operating Margin (ttm): 6.31%
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (ttm): 4.70%
Return on Equity (ttm): 9.62%

from bernie sanders:

Staggering increases in prices for many generic drugs were examined on Thursday at a Senate hearing that Bernie chaired. Three pharmaceutical companies were invited to testify but refused. Generic drugs – copies of drugs no longer protected by patents – historically have cost much less than brand-name prescription medicines. “If generic drug prices continue to rise at the rates that we are seeing, millions of Americans may not be able to afford the medicines they desperately need. Drug companies have seen the opportunity to make a whole lot of money and they are seizing that opportunity,” Bernie told The Associated Press.