J Haverstock <p>Highlighting the variances in health insurance premiums across different regions in the United States, a survey by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality shows evidence that where you live determines the quality of health care you receive. It should be noted that the survey was compiled using employer-sponsored health insurance, with a premium quoted based on a single employee with no dependants.</p><p>It has always been known that auto and homeowners insurance premiums are determined by location. Health insurance contributions by employers across each region varies which is the key factor when looking at the differences of rates paid by the employee</p> <p>The cities that ranked higher are those with higher average employee contributions.</p><br><h3>Areas with the Highest Premiums</h3><br> <p><b>Top Ten Areas with the highest employee contribution</b></p> <ul><li>Pittsburgh, PA - $1,249</li> <li> Virginia Beach, VA - $1,172</li> <li> Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, NH (NH portion) - $960</li> <li> Boston, MA - $949</li> <li> Arlington, VA - $940</li> <li> Tampa, FL - $939</li> <li> Baltimore, MD - $931</li> <li> Milwaukee, WI - $916</li> <li> Long Island-Northern New Jersey, NJ - $914</li> <li> Provo, Utah - $912</li></ul><br> <h3>Areas with the Lowest Premiums</h3><br> <p><b>The Top Ten Areas with the lowest employee contribution</b></p> <ul><li> Boise, ID - $403</li> <li> Honolulu, HI - $434</li> <li> Portland, OR - $472</li> <li> San Antonio, TX - $545</li> <li> Las Vegas, NV - $572</li> <li> San Jose, CA - $576</li> <li> Sacramento, CA - $576</li> <li> Burlington, VT - $578</li> <li> Tulsa, OK - $590</li> <li> Kansas City, MO - $596</li></ul> 2009-05-14T23:57:10Z 13 2009-06-02T05:55:32Z