Typical plan costs

Before looking at some average figures for health care plan costs, keep in mind that many employers require employees to pay part of the monthly premium, often up to half the premium total. When we mention figures below, be sure to pay attention to whether we're discussing totals or just the employer's contribution.

The total average health care premium cost in California is about $300 per month for a single employee on a good plan.

• The above figure includes both the employer and employee contribution. In most businesses, employers share the cost with employees. Employers typically pay from 50 to 80 percent of the cost of insurance.
• This number is an average, which reflects many plans that are considerably more expensive--and many that cost less.
• Don't forget, whatever the employer pays is fully tax deductible as a business expense.