Employer provided coverage is a bedrock of the U.S. health care system. More than half of all Americans — nearly 180 million hardworking individuals and their families — rely on the affordable, comprehensive health coverage they receive through work.
The overwhelming majority of Americans also like their employer-provided coverage. In fact, nearly three-in-four people say they're satisfied with the coverage they receive through their jobs — and feel confident their coverage will protect them during a medical emergency.
Employer provided coverage has a geographic, demographic, and financial impact for all Americans.
In Every State
Employer-provided coverage has a large geographic footprint in the United States. In fact, in nearly 30 U.S. states, at least half the state population receives health care through an employer.
- In Colorado, nearly 60% of employees have access to Employee Assistance Programs.
- In Indiana, 30% of employees get access to vision insurance through their employer.
- In Kansas, employer insurance payments support 41 community hospitals.
- In Nevada, nearly half of the workforce has access to dental insurance through work.
- In Utah, more than 60% of the population is enrolled in EPC, the second-highest percentage of any state.
- In Virginia, employer insurance payments fund nearly 9,000 physician jobs.
This coverage has a significant impact, supporting job creation, increasing access to care, and offering additional benefits like dental, vision, and wellness programs:
In Every Community
Employer provided coverage serves Americans from all walks of life, helping to promote equity in our health care system.
Significant proportions of racial and ethnic minority populations receive health insurance from an employer, including nearly half of Black Americans; more than 40% of Hispanic Americans; about two-thirds of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders; and one-third of American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Across Every Socio-Economic Circumstance
Delivering health coverage through employment helps ensure health and financial security for Americans in ever income bracket. In fact, 15% of Americans with an income below the federal poverty line — $20,578 for a family of three — rely on the cost savings employer-provided coverage delivers.
Further, the tax-exempt nature of employer-provided coverage results in an annual net benefit of $1.5 trillion, nearly $10,000 per year for every person covered.
Employer provided coverage plays a critical role in creating equal access to health care for Americans. Learn more about who employer-provided coverage serves by visiting Coverage@Work.
