New Jersey Workers Face Rising Premium Costs and Health Deductibles
Large employers across the country are raising the share of health insurance premiums paid by workers while simultaneously increasing deductibles and out-of-pocket medical costs, creating a financial double whammy for families already struggling with broader economic expenses.
According to findings from KFF’s 2026 Employer Health Benefits Survey, 44% of large employers increased the portion of insurance premiums that employees must contribute. At the same time, 21% of large employers increased deductibles or other cost-sharing mechanisms for most medical services. Large employers in these findings are defined as companies with at least 200 workers.
Nationwide, the average annual premium for employer-sponsored family coverage reached $28,303 in 2026, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. Workers contributed an average of $7,471 toward that coverage, which represents a 9% jump and translates to roughly $623 a month before any medical care is received.
Rising Deductibles Across New Jersey
Financial burdens hit directly when workers attempt to access medical care. KFF state data shows that the average annual deductible for employer-sponsored family coverage in New Jersey reached $3,280 in 2025. For individual coverage in the state, the average deductible stood at $1,825.
These deductibles represent the exact amount patients must pay out of pocket before health insurance begins sharing medical expenses. Nationally, 38% of covered workers carry individual deductibles of $2,000 or more. Once patients clear those thresholds, additional costs such as copays, prescription medications, and coinsurance continue to accumulate.
Workers whose plans utilize specific charges face average copays of $27 for primary care visits and $46 for specialist appointments. For hospital admissions requiring coinsurance, the average rate sits at 20% of covered costs.
Residents Delaying Care Due to Cost
Escalating expenses are altering how residents handle their health. A July 2026 survey of more than 1,400 New Jersey adults conducted by Altarum’s Healthcare Value Hub revealed that 62% of respondents delayed or completely went without medical care because of cost. 65% of survey participants reported experiencing at least one major health care affordability burden.
Families managing chronic conditions, recurring prescriptions, or unexpected medical emergencies absorb these expenses rapidly. The data indicates that questions surrounding health coverage are shifting from whether a family can afford a monthly insurance premium to whether they can afford to actually use the medical benefits.
Common Questions About Employer Size, Costs, and Delayed Care
What defines a large employer in the national health survey?
KFF defines large employers as companies and organizations that maintain at least 200 workers.
How much do workers typically pay toward family coverage monthly?
Workers contribute an average of $7,471 annually toward employer-sponsored family coverage, which equals approximately $623 per month.
What percentage of New Jersey adults delayed medical care due to expenses?
A July 2026 survey by Altarum’s Healthcare Value Hub found that 62% of surveyed New Jersey adults delayed or skipped medical treatment because of cost.
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