The average cost of a family policy offered by employers nationally increased 22.9 percent in the past five years, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Karen Ignagni, president of the industry group America's Health Insurance Plans, said the portion of premiums that goes to administrative costs and profits has gone down. "Health insurance premiums are increasing in the individual market because of soaring medical costs and because younger and healthier people are dropping their coverage due to the economy," she said last week.

Here's how premium hikes have affected several Long Islanders.

PLUS: Home heating oil prices rise and deer population explodes Credit: Newsday

Hochul, Blakeman poll, home heating oil prices rise, and deer population explodes. Here's a look at some of the exclusive stories you may have missed this week on NewsdayTV.

PLUS: Home heating oil prices rise and deer population explodes Credit: Newsday

Hochul, Blakeman poll, home heating oil prices rise, and deer population explodes. Here's a look at some of the exclusive stories you may have missed this week on NewsdayTV.

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