[lucysmom]

If a worker who earned $50,000 five years ago is earning $51,000 today, his "wages" have grown only 2% over that period of time and he's basically lost ground to inflation. But if his employer-paid benefits have increased from $4,000 to $8,000 in that same period of time, then he's actually earning $5,000 more today than he was back then -- a 10% increase.

And it the cost of the benefit, such as health insurance, has doubled, has his compensation increased or is his increase due to inflation?

[1rudeboy]

Health care costs are increasing at a far greater rate than inflation, and for a multitude of reasons.

[Toddsterpatriot]

And it the cost of the benefit, such as health insurance, has doubled, has his compensation increased or is his increase due to inflation?

If the discussion involves "real" compensation, inflation is already included so his compensation has increased.