Area health care costs rise more slowly

The cost of health benefits rose 5% to 7% this year for employers and employees in the Milwaukee area - the smallest increase in a decade, but still roughly three times the rate of inflation. Health benefit costs now average $5,750 to $5,999 for single coverage and $15,000 to $15,999 for family coverage in the Milwaukee area, according to the greater Milwaukee employer Health Care Benefits Survey done by HCTrends. (JOURNAL SENTINEL, 8/3)