The average cost of care for a typical family receiving health care through an employer-sponsored PPO plan in 2012 will cost $20,728, a 6.9% increase over 2011. Though this is the lowest rate of increase in 12 years, the $1,335 increase surpasses last year’s record of $1,319. This is according to the Milliman Medical Index.

“This helps illustrate the challenge of controlling health care costs. When the total cost is already so high, even a slower rate of growth has a serious impact on family budgets,” says Lorraine Mayne, principal and consulting actuary with Milliman, Inc., a global consulting and actuarial firm.

The release of this data falls during an uncertain time for health care, with the nation awaiting the outcome of the Supreme Court decision on the future of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. PPACA has had only a limited effect on health care costs for families covered by an employer-sponsored plan, however the longer term implications may be greater.

“We face a number of different potential scenarios depending on the future of reform,” says Chris Girod, principal and consulting actuary with Milliman.

The MMI includes analysis of health care costs in 14 cities, highlighting the role geography plays in health care costs. This year, Miami is the most expensive at $24,964 and Phoenix the least. It also examined how employers and employees share the cost of health care. Employers contribute $12,144 of the $20,728 total, while employees through payroll deductions and out-of-pocket expenses pay the remainder.

“Some families may be surprised to hear their total average health care costs will exceed $20,000 this year,” says Scott Weltz, consulting actuary with Milliman. “While everyone knows the cost of health care is increasing, most people who receive health insurance through their employer are insulated from the true costs associated with the care they receive.