Employee benefits declining.(Strictly Business)

WASHINGTON -- The proportion of employees covered by employer-sponsored medical care plans has fallen gradually over the last decade, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In March 2003, 45% of employees had elected coverage, down from 63% in 1992-1993.

The large majority of employees covered by medical care plans were in plans requiring employee contributions for both single coverage and family coverage. Employee contributions to medical care premiums averaged $228.98 per month for family coverage; for single coverage, employee contributions av