Projo Biz Blog

The average annual cost for group medical and dental benefits in Rhode Island was $10,300 in 2007, according to a new survey by a benefits consulting firm based in Wakefield.

The survey by Bluff Head Enterprises, its sixth annual, was based on responses of 58 Rhode Island area employers representing over 80,000 employees.

The survey also found the 2007 annual cost for a single health plan was $5,124, more than $300 above the national average. The average annual cost for family health coverage was $13,596. Since more Rhode Islanders elect family coverage than single plans, the average per employee cost for health insurance in 2007 reached $10,300.

Sam Slade, founder and president of Bluff Head, said the richness of Rhode Island health plans compared to those in other states and limited competition among health insurers were key contributors to higher than average costs.

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