Elisabeth Rosenthal is a senior contributing editor at KFF Health News and the author of “An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back.”
Health insurance that comes with a job has long been the gold standard of coverage, a prime reason to seek employment. But with insurance costs per employee expected to rise by more than 8 percent next year, many employers say they can no longer afford it. If they absorb the increase, they will not be able to hire as readily or offer the raises that employees deserve. The other option? Pass more costs on to workers through higher premiums and deductibles.