According to the Society for Human Resource Management, United Benefit Advisors' recently released 2011 Health Plan Survey found the average annual cost per employee for health plan coverage varies by as much as $5,000 depending on the state.
While the cost in Mississippi averaged the lowest at $6,282, Alaska was the least fortunate state with average annual cost of $11,926 per employee. The national average was significantly lower than that at $8,688. New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey were the most expensive states after Alaska, each with an average cost above $10,000.
"This may also have a bearing on the various future policies states adopt in responding to health care reform in their local market," said UBA executive Bill Stafford. He noted employers could use the data to assess potential costs when considering moving or expanding operations into a new state.
More than 95 percent of employers surveyed were concerned about the impact of increasing healthcare costs on both their business as a whole and their employees. They were also worried about their ability to meet legislative and regulatory requirements.
