Study Finds Insurance Rates Up Sharply In Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A report released Tuesday shows family insurance premiums jumped 50 % between 2001 and 2005 in Oklahoma, while the income of state policyholders remained flat.

The report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation says Oklahoma led the nation in increased insurance rates paid by employees of companies which have health insurance programs.

The national average increase was 30 % over the period, compared to a 3 % increase in the income of family policyholders.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota say the proportion of insurance premiums that workers pay for family coverage has remained constant over the years, but the dollar amount that workers contribute has increased substantially.