Health Benefits In 2023: Premiums Increase With Inflation And Employer Coverage In The Wake Of Dobbs

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Healthcare Policy
• Public Health

Background:

• Employer-sponsored health insurance is a primary source of healthcare coverage in the US.
• Rising healthcare costs and inflation impact affordability and access to care.
• Recent legal and economic shifts influence employer-provided health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in employer-sponsored health insurance premiums and cost-sharing in 2023.
• To assess employer perceptions of network adequacy for mental health and substance abuse services.
• To examine employer responses regarding abortion coverage post-Dobbs decision.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of national data on average annual premiums for single and family coverage.
• Examination of worker contribution percentages towards premiums.
• Survey of employer perceptions regarding provider network adequacy and employee cost-sharing concerns.

Main Results:

• Average annual family premiums reached $23,968 in 2023, a 7% increase from 2022.
• Worker contributions averaged 17% for single and 29% for family coverage.
• Many employers perceived shortages in mental health providers and noted high employee concern over cost-sharing; nearly a third of large employers cover abortion in most circumstances.

Conclusions:

• Health insurance costs continue to rise significantly, potentially exacerbating affordability issues for employees.
• Gaps in mental healthcare access persist within employer networks.
• Employer benefit strategies are adapting to evolving legal landscapes, particularly concerning reproductive healthcare.