Health Insurance Premiums -- Absolutely Nothing To Do With The Bakken

This is the story:

U.S. workers’ health insurance premiums rose 63 percent from 2003 to 2010 as employers shifted more of the burden of rising medical costs to individuals and families, a study showed.

The total cost of insuring a family through employer- sponsored health plans rose 50 percent over the same period, reaching an average of $13,871 a year by 2010.

Then this: 

Employers and workers split the cost of health insurance premiums. Workers paid the lowest share in Michigan, Montana, Vermont, Pennsylvania and Kentucky, the study showed. Employees in Delaware, Maine, Virginia, Texas and Florida made the highest premium contributions. 

I can't speak for Delaware, Maine, or Virginia, but I have my hunch why they are among the top five.

Texas and Florida are at the top of the list for malpractice awards. This is not rocket science.

Some years ago, the obstetricians threatened to leave the state of Florida due to malpractice lawsuits, but I believe they worked something out. The physicians now self-insure.

Texas is mecca for malpractice lawyers.

I am glad I no longer have a dog in that fight.