Open-enrollment packets have reminded local employees in recent weeks that the U.S. health-care system is the most-expensive in the world. Employee-benefits consultant Aon Hewitt is forecasting a 6.9?percent increase in overall annual premium costs in the Columbus area next year, with the average total premium cost per local employee reaching $10,777. That includes both the employer's and employee's share. It's the largest local increase in seven years, up from the 3.9 percent increase this year and 4.9?percent increase last year, according to the annual survey.
