US Employers Shift Health Costs to 157 Million Workers as 6 in 10 Fear Affording Care
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 22
US Employers Shift Health Costs to 157 Million Workers as 6 in 10 Fear Affording Care
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 22
Summary
Two surveys released Thursday show US workers are paying more for employer health coverage this year, with many delaying doctor visits, treatments or prescription fills.
High single-digit increases in medical coverage costs are driving employers to pass more expenses to staff through higher premiums and larger deductibles, especially at small businesses.
That leaves many families facing thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket bills when they get sick, while unpaid medical debt and the number of uninsured Americans are both rising.
KFF polling shows health care is near the top of voters’ financial concerns ahead of the midterm elections, with roughly 6 in 10 adults worried about affording care.