Rising Costs Drive Consumers to Shop for Insurance Online

With more businesses cutting back on benefits, a growing number of consumers may find themselves shopping for insurance online.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently reported that in 2007, employers spent an average of $4,559 per employee on healthcare, up from $3,961 in 2006. This turns out to be a 15 percent increase, which goes with a 14 percent increase in the cost of retirement and savings benefits.

"This study shows the ever-increasing cost pressures businesses of all sizes are facing in their efforts to provide health insurance to employees - in addition to the significant economic headwinds posed by the economic downturn," said Randel Johnson of the U.S. Chamber in a statement.

The result of the growing business costs is that more companies are scaling back on the benefits they offer their employees, according to the Chamber. The organization found that total benefit costs, from payroll taxes to retirement and medical to time off, was $18,496 in 2007 - down from $21,527 in 2006.

Still, workers who find themselves in need of a good healthcare policy have a number of options to consider as they shop for insurance online.

For more information about affordable health insurance, visit InsureMe.com today.

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