Health insurance costs are climbing again this year, according to findings from the Kaiser Family Foundation's Employer Health Benefits 2008 Annual Survey.

The survey, designed by researchers at the Kaiser Family Foundation, the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, and Health Research & Educational Trust, included 2,832 randomly selected public and private firms with at least three employees. It provides a detailed look at trends in employer-sponsored health coverage, including changes in insurance premiums, employee contributions, and cost-sharing provisions. According to the survey, both health insurance premiums and deductibles rose in 2008. Although the 5% rise in premiums is modest, it is more than double the cost of insurance premiums in 1999.

The shifts have been most dramatic for workers in small businesses with three to 199 employees. These rising health insurance costs mean a substantial out-of-pocket expense before insurance fully kicks in. Coupled with high food and gas prices, these health care costs can represent a financial challenge for many working families.

For a summary of the Employer Health Benefits 2008 Annual Survey, click here.