... group health coverage. As the population and work force ages, the demand for medical services has also increased. New treatments and technology do not come cheap, as both employers and employees want access to the very best health care available. Advertising has pushed the demand for name-brand prescription drugs over generics to record levels. Federal and state regulations, especially in the small group marketplace, have also put tremendous pressure on rates and the ability of insurance carriers to maintain expectable profit margins. Following a seven-year dip in health insurance premiums, insurance prices have risen steadily since 1996. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (2003), healthcare costs will continue to rise over the next four years, far outpacing the rate of inflation. The Kaiser survey as well as subsequent surveys has confirmed the fact that employers are making efforts to lesson their burden for healthcare while still providing what has become ...

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