If it makes you feel any better (it won’t) it is not just retirees getting the squeeze.

I am beginning the insurance renewal for one of my clients. Right now we are looking at a 12% increase in medical premiums.

Employees share the cost of the premiums.

The current economy has been rough on manufacturing companies and with 0% rise in CPI – 0% will probably be what the raises are this year (as in 60% of companies.)

With the help of our broker we may get the increase down to 9% (I hope.) That will include carve outs – insurance speak for reducing benefits.

So people making $9 - $12/hour will pay more for less coverage.

And the company will either have to lay off more people or if possible, pass the increase along to the customer who pass it along until eventually the consumer – you and me – will pay for it.

We pay for each other's medical care one way or the other. Medicare, private insurance, veterans or the uninsured. There are just a whole lot more hands taking something off the top with our current system.