Health Insurance Premiums
This survey examines the cost of single and family health insurance coverage for covered workers, focusing on up to two of their largest plans.
In 2025, the average annual premiums for covered workers in California are $10,033 for single coverage and $28,397 for family coverage. These premiums exceed the national averages for both single coverage ($10,033 vs. $9,325) and family coverage ($28,397 vs. $26,993).
Premiums are influenced by plan type. The average annual family premium in HMOs is lower than the overall California average ($26,562 vs. $28,397). Average premiums for covered workers in HDHP/SOs,including HSA-qualified plans,are comparable to the overall average for both single and family coverage.
Firm size also impacts premiums. Family coverage is less expensive on average for workers at firms with 10 to 199 employees compared to those at larger firms ($24,990 vs. $29,595).
These premium amounts can be contextualized by considering income levels. In California, non-elderly individuals with employer-sponsored insurance living alone have a median income of $86,000. Families of four with employer-sponsored insurance have a median income of $183,560,while the median income for all families of four (including those not enrolled in an employer plan) is $134,000.
## Health Insurance Premiums Continue to Rise, Outpacing Wage Growth
Worker Contributions to the Premium
For many workers, health insurance is an vital component of their total compensation.At the same time, most workers are required to contribute directly to the cost of their health insurance premiums, usually through payroll deductions. The average worker contribution for covered workers in California in 2025 is $1,303 for single coverage and $7,312 for family coverage. on average, covered workers in California contribute a similar amount to the national average to enroll in single or family coverage.
Employers contribute more to the cost of single coverage for covered workers in California than employers do nationally ($8,730 vs. $7,884).
Change Over Time: Compared to 2022, California covered workers contribute a similar amount to enroll in single coverage ($1,192 vs. $1,303) and family coverage ($6,735 vs. $7,312). Since 2022, the average contribution for family coverage in California has increased by about 9%, or roughly 3% per year, but this does not represent a statistically significant change.
Firm Size: In California, the average family coverage premium contribution for covered workers in smaller firms (10 to 199 workers) is much higher than the average for covered workers in larger firms ($9,980 vs. $6,374).
Firm Characteristics: In Califo
California Employer Health Benefits Survey: Key Findings on Worker Contributions
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# Worker Premium Contributions for Health Insurance in California, 2025