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Benefits February 6, 2018
Workers Favor Employer-Provided Health Benefits Coverage
Respondents to an AHIP study indicated their employers and insurance providers working together to improve health and lower costs improves their favorability of both.
Reported by Amanda Umpierrez
With the rise of health care costs unlikely to dwindle in the future, an America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) survey reveals the significance participants place on employer-provided health benefits coverage.
The 2018 study, which surveyed 1,000 American workers with employer-provided coverage, found 56% of employees consider their coverage a key factor in sticking with their current job, and 46% say the coverage played a successful role in recruiting them for the position. Additionally, when asked if an average American would benefit off their health insurance plan if enrolled, 46% of respondents believed he would be better off.
One of the highest numbers, however, was the effect of employer contributions to health insurance plans. Seventy-seven percent of respondents said they felt more favorable towards businesses who provided health insurance to workers, with 18% voting they were neither more nor less favorable, and only 5% saying they were not.
“Employer-provided coverage is a pillar of Americans’ health and financial security,” says Marilyn Tavenner, president and CEO of AHIP. “The results reaffirm that American workers and their families depend on their coverage to provide them with protection and peace of mind.”
Respondents prioritize comprehensive benefits (58%) over affordability (42%) of plans. Prescription drug coverage (51%), preventive care (47%), and emergency care (47%) rank among the benefits that matter most. Respondents indicated their employers and insurance providers working together to improve health and lower costs improves their favorability of both (83% and 87%, respectively). Additionally, 58% said they would understand paying higher costs if every service needed was covered.
Of those who did not feel satisfied with their current health insurance plan, 82% voted costs as the factor. Other issues included inadequate coverage (40%); out-of-network costs (22%); excessively confusing information (18%); little choices (10%); denied claims (9%); lack of innovation (6%); too much paperwork (6%); poor customer service (5%); and losing a doctor (2%).
More information on the study can be found here.