The 2008 Towers Perrin Health Care Cost Study reports that overall health care costs in employer-sponsored plans rose by 6% in 2007 bringing the average per employee cost to $9,144 per year. Data in the report underscores concerns about health coverage affordability. The average monthly payment for an individual is $78 per month and for family coverage is $262. Notably, employee payments for health care costs have risen 61% (from $1,284 in 2003 to $2,064) while employers’ costs rose by 39% in the same five-year period. The report notes wide variance in cost increases for employer plans based on the level of performance companies exhibit in managing their health care spending. Surveyed companies noted as high-performers had lower average per employee costs of $8,532 whereas low-performers costs were $10,200. High-performers are not necessarily shifting more costs to employees; rather they are managing costs by trying to improve overall employee health and wellness, increase employee engagement in health care spending decisions and actively measuring benefit plan performance. High-performing organizations aim to provide affordable options and achieve this goal in part because overall costs are reduced.