NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Given the choice between a raise and more generous health care coverage, most workers would opt for the coverage, a survey released Thursday shows.

More than 75 percent of workers surveyed said they would prefer a $6,200 increase in health coverage from their employer to an identical boost in pay, according to the Health Confidence Survey conducted by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and financed by the Principal Financial Group.

"The fact that employees are willing to choose health coverage over money in their pocket further illustrates just how important health benefits are to American workers today," said Carey Jury, vice president of Principal's health division, in a written statement.

The study also found a small correlation between quality health coverage and job loyalty. Nearly a third of American workers say they are staying put because they are unsure they would be able to find affordable coverage at another employer.

Rising health care costs also have caused many workers to shortchange their savings. Forty-eight percent said they cut their non-retirement savings contributions; 30 percent said they have had difficulty paying for other bills; and 26 percent said they used their entire savings in the past year on health-related costs.

And nearly 25 percent say they decreased their retirement contributions due to growing medical bills.

The full results of the 2004 Health Confidence Survey is available in the November EBRI Issue Brief or on EBRI's Web site at www.ebri.org.