by Daniel Costello

And finally some good news — if it can be called that.

Health insurance premiums rose a moderate 5% in 2008, according to a closely watched annual survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation released Wednesday.

The health insurance cost increase was the same as last year, but far below the 14% climb five years ago.

Overall, premiums for families increased to $12,680 and coverage for individuals jumped to $4,704. (Employers typically pay about 75% of those costs.)

One other finding of note: the number of American workers in high-deductible health plans — the "consumer directed" plans introduced by the Bush administration a few years ago to much fanfare but low enrollment — climbed from 12% to 18%.

The plans offer skimpier coverage but do come with significantly lower costs, and apparently more consumers finally are snapping them up.