More than half of respondents say coverage plays an essential role in their choice to stay in their current jobs
WASHINGTON – A new survey released by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) demonstrates the critical importance of employer provided health coverage to American workers. The results showed 71% of Americans are satisfied with their current employer-provided health coverage. Further, 56% indicated coverage remains a key factor in their choice to stay at their current job.
With more than 180 million Americans receiving coverage through their employer, the results underscore the need to strengthen employer-provided coverage – and leverage it for more health care innovation.
“Employer-provided coverage is a pillar of Americans’ health and financial security,” said 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.”
The survey was conducted for AHIP by Luntz Global Partners to measure the perceptions, priorities and expectations of Americans who have employer-provided coverage. 1,000 Americans with employer-provided coverage were surveyed.
“Employer-provided insurance is the cornerstone of the United States health care system, covering over 150 million Americans and spurring innovation that helps improve the overall healthcare marketplace,” said David Cordani, President and CEO of Cigna. “Employer-provided coverage helps employers create localized communities of health to help their employees stay healthy and productive, while pursuing targeted innovation that works for their unique needs.”
Americans Remain Focused on Costs and Value
Among the findings:
- Most respondents (71%) noted that they remain concerned the cost of health care will continue to rise.
- Respondents prioritize comprehensive benefits (58%) over affordability (42%) of plans.
- 46% indicated that health insurance was either the deciding factor or a positive influence in choosing their current job.
- 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).
“We were surprised to see such a large percentage of American workers who indicated the importance of health coverage in choosing and staying at their job,” said Phillip Morris, Vice President of Luntz Global Partners. “The results clearly show that employer coverage is critical to workers, and they oppose the government changing what is working very well for them.”
Expert Panelists Discuss Implications for American Businesses
Full survey data was presented during an expert panel event – “Employer Provided Insurance – Public and Employer Attitudes and Innovation.” The event was co-hosted by AHIP and the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) at the Hotel Monaco in Washington, DC.
“With employer-provided coverage playing such a significant role in our health care system, we’re proud to bring so many experts together to discuss how to strengthen the market. Together, we can find bipartisan solutions to ensure it remains a strong and viable option for years to come,” said G. William Hoagland, Senior Vice President at Bipartisan Policy Center.
David Cordani of Cigna provided keynote remarks. Other participating experts included:
- Mark Fendrick, Director, Center for Value-Based Insurance Design, University of Michigan & Professor in the University’s Departments of Internal Medicine and Health Management and Policy
- Mary Grealy, President, Healthcare Leadership Council
- Paula H. Harvey, SHRM-SCP, VP of Human Resources & Safety, Schulte Building Systems, Hockley, TX
- Janet Marchibroda, Director, Health Innovation Initiative at the Bipartisan Policy Center
- Brian Marcotte, President & CEO, National Business Group on Health
- David Merritt, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Strategic Initiatives at AHIP
- Phillip Morris Vice President of Luntz Global Partners
- Former U.S. Senator Don Nickles, Chairman & CEO, The Nickles Group
- Mazi Rasulnia, President, PACK HEALTH
- Julie Rovner, Chief Washington Correspondent, Kaiser Health News
- Tracy Watts, Senior Partner, Mercer