This reasoning has led for calls to reform the insurance system to create a consumer-driven health care system whereby consumers pay more out-of-pocket.
Premiums in the individual market rose less rapidly over the period 2002 through 2005 than did out-of-pocket premiums in the employer-sponsored market (17.8% versus 34.4%).
Overall, total out-of-pocket spending increased, on average, about 5 percent annually between 2001 and 2006, and was similar for the 20014 and 20046 periods.