That's nearly four times the inflation rate.
Employers find that good health benefits are key to recruiting in a tight labor market.
And employees want fewer restrictions on their medical care. But peace of mind comes with a price. Such coops buy health insurance in bulk for member companies and often offer three or four different plans. If you're most concerned about giving your employees a range of choices, check triple-option insurance, where an insurer offers up a menu of treatment plans at reduced rates, thanks to its lower overhead. That will dull the pain of rising costs, but it won't stop it.