Andy Hyman, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Stations, the following is a news announcement. Suggested lead in 3, 2, 1 …
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Getting insurance through the workplace has traditionally been the way most Americans obtain health insurance, but today just 60 percent of people receive their health insurance through this route. According to a report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, national rates have declined steadily, with 11.5 million fewer Americans now getting their health insurance through their job, or a family member’s job, than did in 2000.
The Foundation’s Andy Hyman says this trend highlights the importance of having several affordable insurance options.
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FEWER EMPLOYERS ARE OFFERING INSURANCE TO WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND FEWER WORKERS ARE SIGNING UP, EVEN WHEN INSURANCE IS OFFERED—LIKELY DUE TO INCREASING COSTS. IN TOTAL, 47 STATES AND WASHINGTON, D.C. SAW SIGNIFICANT DECLINES IN JOB-RELATED INSURANCE IN THE DECADE PRECEEDING THE ENACTMENT OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT. THE NEW LAW’S INURANCE EXCHANGES, SUBSIDIES, AND MEDICAID PROGRAM EXPANSIONS SHOULD PROVIDE OTHER OPTIONS TO HELP OFFSET THIS TREND.
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To learn more, visit www.rwjf.org.