WASHINGTON, D.C. – (June 15, 2021) – With more than 183 million Americans protected by employer-provided coverage, it’s important to understand the value that coverage provides – not just for their health, but also for the financial stability of their families and communities. That is why AHIP has launched Employee Health Benefits by the Numbers, a new data resource that shows how health insurance coverage and other important benefits support hardworking employees in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

“From comprehensive coverage and income protection, to dental and vision benefits, Americans have real choices and control in the protection they receive through work,” said Jeanette Thornton, senior vice president of Product, Employer, and Commercial Policy at AHIP. “This new data resource is an essential resource for policymakers and other leaders who are working toward new solutions to improve our health care system without sacrificing the value that hundreds of millions of people rely on today.”

Employee Health Benefits by the Numbers offers a state-by-state look at information such as:

• How many people are covered by an employer, compared to coverage from other sources such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Individual Market.
• Share of employees who are offered an array of coverage choices through a job.
• Percent of premiums paid by employers.
• How many people are employed directly or indirectly by health insurance providers.
• How many physicians and community hospitals are supported by employer insurance payments.
• Percentage of employees with access to related benefits, such as dental, vision, wellness programs, or employee assistance programs.

Essential Coverage When You Need It Most

While employees’ value of their employer-provided coverage has been consistently high, employees valued their coverage even more through the COVID-19 crisis. A survey of employees conducted earlier this year for AHIP by Locust Street Group found:

• More than three-quarters of employees – 76% – feel their coverage would protect them from the majority of their medical costs in an emergency.
• Of those who received a COVID-19 test, 62% said their plan was helpful in obtaining and covering a test.
• Most people intended to take a COVID-19 vaccine, and 74% said that it’s important for their plan to cover the cost of their vaccines.
• A majority – 56% – said telehealth and mental health services are more valuable than they were a year ago.

“These benefits help make America competitive in the global economy, and the health and security of hundreds of millions of people depend on the success of employer-provided coverage,” Thornton observed. “We hope state and federal policymakers will have their back.”

Check out Employee Health Benefits by the Numbers.

About AHIP

AHIP is the national association whose members provide health care coverage, services, and solutions to hundreds of millions of Americans every day. We are committed to market-based solutions and public-private partnerships that make health care better and coverage more affordable and accessible for everyone. Visit www.ahip.org to learn how working together, we are Guiding Greater Health.