Health insurance: the size and shape of the problem

Assessment of experiences with health care will continue to be important given the rapid changes in the health care system and retreat from broad national attention on health reform. This paper reports on the findings of the 1993 Kaiser/Commonwealth Survey of Americans and their health insurance. The survey findings highlight the chronic problem of uninsurance as well as concerns among those with insurance, including the worry that benefits will be reduced or become unaffordable. Limited choice of health plans and providers and having to join a managed care plan are further concerns. These findings suggest that many Americans' needs remain unaddressed, but they will have to be considered as the health care system is restructured.