Survey finds that the cost of individual insurance is rising

More than three-quarters of people who purchase individual health insurance report being asked for a premium increase when they renewed their coverage.  The average increase was 20%. 

According to a survey by Kaiser Family Foundation, individuals who purchase their own health insurance report spending thousands of dollars on premiums and out-of-pocket health care expenses, and more than half say it is difficult for them to afford these costs.

(Sources: Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, http://kaiserhealthnews.org, June 22, 2010; New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com, June 21, 2010)