The number of adults of working age with health insurance increased last year, according to a report.
Data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) shows that about 82 percent of the non-elderly population had health insurance. While the increase was less than 1 percent, the percentage has only grown during three years since 1994, making this a potentially significant positive development.
At the same time, fewer of them had coverage through their employee benefits, with 58.4 percent relying on employers compared to 69.3 percent in 2011. More were dependent on public programs than in the past, at 22.5 percent.
According to the EBRI, employment-based coverage may continue to decline. Businesses considering whether to cease offering coverage have many factors to examine, such as the potential penalty costs they may have to pay under health reforms and the benefits of tying together insurance and wellness programs. Another concern might be that competitors could have an edge in recruitment and retention if they continue offering coverage.
