Missouri's Insurance Department confirms the findings of a study by Families USA .

The study shows that Missouri's health insurance costs are rising faster than people's earnings.

In the last six years, health premiums rose by over 60 percent.

This is three times faster than the rise in income. 

The Insurance Department spokeswoman Emily Kampeter says the state has recently adopted legislation to improve people's access to health care.

Kampeter also urges the health care and insurance industries to work together to lower health care premiums.

This is Carolyn Tseng, reporting from the State Capitol.   

Over the last six years, Missouri workers' earnings saw a 19 percent increase while health insurance rose three times faster. 

Due to this disparity, many Missourians cannot afford to buy health insurance.  

The Insurance Department's spokeswoman Emily Kampeter says the solution to rising health premiums involves the cooperation of many parties.

Kampeter also advises people to compare insurance plans carefully before purchasing one.

This is Carolyn Tseng, reporting from the State Capitol. 

Intro: Missouri families could be seeing a decrease in their bank account balance as the rise in health insurance costs outpaces people's wages.

This is Carolyn Tseng, reporting from the State Capitol.   

The Missouri Insurance Department finds that employees are paying a larger porportion to health premiums compared with their employers. 

Six years ago, the employees' contribution was 21 percent of their health coverage.

Now, they contribute 26 percent.   

The Insurance Department's spokeswoman Emily Kampeter says there is something Missouri workers can do in the rise of health insurance costs.  

The state legislature recently passed a House bill allowing people to pool together to lower insurance rates.

This is Carolyn Tseng, reporting from the State Capitol.