MILWAUKEE (WSAU)   Folks in southeast Wisconsin are still paying more for their health insurance than others in the Midwest. But a new study shows that the gap has dropped considerably over the last 12 years. Milliman consultant Keith Kieffer said hospitals in southeast Wisconsin have done a great job of controlling their expenses. And a result, the region’s hospital costs grew by only half the national average during the eight years ending in 2011.

Back in 2000 people in the Milwaukee region were paying 55-percent more for their health care than others in the Midwest. But now, benefit consultants from Mercer says the region is only seven-percent higher than its Midwest counterparts – and that’s down from eight-percent in 2010.