Across the country, health insurance premiums and deductibles are growing faster than income. A new study shows that North Carolinians are paying more for health care than the national average.
North Carolinians are paying nearly 14 percent of the state's median income. Nationally, the average family is spending around 11 percent.
That's according to a report published by The Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit research institute.
These numbers don't take into account copays, which means it's safe to say that families are spending even more money on health-associated costs than the study shows.
North Carolina Health News reports that many are falling into a "family coverage glitch" where they don't qualify for health subsidies.
North Carolina is one of 14 states that have not expanded Medicaid coverage to those who don't qualify but earn 138 percent less than the poverty level.