With more than half of Americans – approximately 180 million people – receiving health care coverage through work, a new nationwide poll finds that a strong majority are satisfied with their current employer-provided plans (75%) and prefer to get their coverage through an employer rather than through the federal or state government (74%).
The poll found that Americans’ satisfaction with employer-provided coverage is driven by the comprehensive coverage (49%), affordability (48%) and choice of providers (45%) their plans provide.
“This national survey is another reminder that the American people greatly value employer-provided coverage and will reject policies that undermine this indispensable pillar of our health care system.,” said Mike Tuffin, AHIP’s President and CEO.
Seventy-one percent report that the quality of their current employer-provided health plan is high, and 76% say their coverage would protect them from the majority of their medical costs if they had a major medical emergency.
“Consumer satisfaction with employer-provided coverage has increased as plans deliver affordability, quality and peace of mind in a time of inflation and rising costs,” said Phillip Morris, Partner at LSG, who conducted the poll on behalf of AHIP’s Coverage@Work initiative.
A majority of respondents also report the health coverage their job provides had a positive impact on their decision to accept their current job (61%) – and it is even more impactful in their decision to stay at their current job (80%).
“Employers are committed to supporting the health and well-being of employees and their families by providing high quality, cost-effective health programs. Our own research shows that 98% of employers consider their health and well-being programs to be key to their overall workforce strategy. Employer-provided health coverage must balance comprehensive offerings with compelling experience that works for an increasingly diverse set of health needs in the workforce. And we must have policies that promote, protect, affirm, and enhance an employer’s ability to attract, retain, and meaningfully support employees and their families,” said Garrett Hohimer, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, at Business Group on Health.
The national survey of 1,000 people with employer-provided coverage was conducted online from July 10-19, 2024, with a margin of error of +/- 3%.