Health insurance premiums up 88% in Mich. since '99

David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau

Washington -- Michigan has had the nation's lowest increase in health care insurance premiums in the last decade, a White House report said today.

"Over the past decade, premium growth has ranged from 88 percent in Michigan to 145 percent in Alaska," said the eight-page report released by the White House as part of its effort to make the case for Congress to pass health care reforms.

While Michigan's wage growth increased 52 percent over the last decade, it was outstripped by the 88 percent rise in premiums. Michigan's rates were kept lower by the large percentage of employees and retirees insured by Detroit's three automakers.

The White House said the national average annual family premium for employer-sponsored health insurance rose to $13,375 in 2009, a 5.5 percent increase.

"The status quo of rising premiums is simply unsustainable for families, for businesses, for state budgets, and for our national economy," said Vice President Joe Biden.

The White House planned a conference call with reporters this afternoon to tout its efforts. The call was to include White House economic adviser Brian Deese -- a key player in the restructuring of General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC -- along with Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger, Maine Insurance Superintendent Mila Kofman and Michigan Insurance Commissioner Ken Ross.

"The state insurance commissioners understand firsthand the health care crisis -- and are fighting every day to combat it and reduce unjustified premium increases," Biden said.

"But these numbers are just one more piece of evidence that the need for nationwide reform is urgent."

dshepardson@detnews.com (202) 662-8735