While most people in the U.S. get health insurance through their employer, about
14 million people under age 65 have coverage through the non-group or individual
market, which has faced scrutiny recently in news reports about some insurers’
steep rate increases and in the market reforms in the new health reform law that
will take effect in 2014.
This survey provides insight into the current
state of the non-group market and finds policyholders report that their insurers
most recently requested premium increases averaging 20 percent. Most say they
paid the increase, but some say they switched plans, either buying a less
expensive policy from their current insurer or switching companies altogether.
The survey also provides national data on the average premiums and
deductibles reported by people who buy their own coverage in the non-group
market. It examines policyholders' views and experiences with non-group
coverage and a focused look at the issues facing policyholders with pre-existing
conditions.
The survey involved a nationally
representative random sample of 1,038 people ages 18-64 who purchase their own
health coverage, conducted between March 19 and April 2, 2010.
News
Release
Report
(.pdf)
Toplines (.pdf)