Employment-based health benefits under universal coverage
1Center for Studying Health System Change in Washington, DC, USA. pginsburg@hschange.org
Health Affairs (Project Hope)
|May 14, 2008
Summary
Employer-sponsored health coverage is declining and offers limited choices. Shifting to individual insurance exchanges could improve options for those without employer plans, but requires real-world testing first.
Area of Science:
- Health policy
- Insurance markets
- Healthcare economics
Background:
- Employer-sponsored health coverage is a significant component of the US healthcare system.
- There are concerns regarding the erosion and limited plan choice within employer-sponsored insurance.
- Universal coverage proposals necessitate an examination of alternative insurance mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of regional insurance exchanges as an alternative to employer-sponsored health coverage.
- To assess the feasibility of improving health insurance choice and accessibility through market reforms.
- To determine the conditions under which individual insurance markets could better serve societal goals for universal coverage.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of current trends in employer-sponsored health insurance.
- Review of criticisms regarding limited plan choice in employer-sponsored plans.
- Exploration of policy proposals involving regional insurance exchanges and subsidies.
Main Results:
- Employer-sponsored coverage is experiencing a gradual decline.
- Existing employer plans are often criticized for offering insufficient meaningful choice.
- Directing individuals without employer coverage to subsidized regional exchanges could enhance attractiveness.
Conclusions:
- Reliance on the current individual insurance market is unlikely to achieve universal coverage goals.
- Regional insurance exchanges offer a potential avenue for improving health insurance accessibility and choice.
- Further real-world experience and evidence are necessary before replacing employer-based coverage with individual market reforms.
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