Liberal Group Finds Wide Disparities In Health Care Premiums Across State

A comparison of insurance premiums in different parts of the state shows residents in Rhinelander pay the most while Madison-area residents pay the least.

In its ninth annual analysis of health insurance policies sold around the state, Citizen Action of Wisconsin found a premiums varied greatly across the state. Overall, rates rose 4 percent from last year in the large group market where most people get their insurance.

The growth in health costs has slowed in recent years, but Citizen Action’s executive director, Robert Kraig, said the increases nevertheless add up over time.

“The numbers historically for the magnitude of increase are absolutely overwhelming,” said Kraig. “We’ve had a tripling of health insurance premiums in Wisconsin in the large group market since 2000. It’s up 211 percent.”

The report also found that there is no clear link between quality and cost of health insurance.