Trends in Underinsurance and the Affordability of Employer Coverage, 2004-2007

Using simulated bill paying and data from MarketScan and an employer health benefit survey, this study examines examines trends in comprehensiveness of coverage, out-of-pocket spending for medical services, underinsurance, and the afford ability of employer-based insurance from 2004 to 2007.  The study finds that health plans covered slightly fewer expenses in 2007 than in 2004 and that out-of-pocket spending grew by more than 33 percent owing largely to growth in overall spending. The study found that the increased costs significantly affected those earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). 

Gabel, J. R., R. McDevitt, et al. (2009). Trends in underinsurance and the afford ability of employer coverage, 2004-2007. Health Affairs, 28(4), w595-w606. DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.28.4.w595 http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/abstract/28/4/w595 

Authors: Jon R. Gabel, Roland McDevitt, Ryan Lore, Jeremy Pickreign, Heidi Whitmore and Tina Ding