Young Couple and Employer Coverage in Chicago

A young couple in their late 20s has employer health care coverage. He works full time at a consulting firm and goes part time to grad school. She works in the gig economy. After being covered by their parents’ health plans until they got married, they shared their thoughts about employer coverage.

What is important? Right now, they are both healthy, so they aren’t worried about big medical bills. They are paying off college loans, so they want to be able to budget their monthly health care expenses.

How was enrollment? The husband enrolled online on the company’s benefits portal after he and his wife reviewed their options. The portal was secure and the information was accurate; he didn’t need the call center.

How many choices? One. His employer provides a PPO with a national health insurance carrier. They were surprised that they didn’t have more options.

How much do they spend? Very little. His employer is one of few employers that charge nothing for employee coverage and a nominal amount for dependents.

Have they needed care? Yes. She suffered a running injury that required an orthopedic visit and physical therapy treatment. She had not met her individual annual deductible, so they paid for most of the care “out of pocket.”

What about technology? The husband used the health plan’s virtual visit benefit when he came down with the flu. The experience was quicker and easier than going to a doctor’s office, and it cost only $40.

Are there financial incentives? Yes, his employer provides credits for wellness activities. They haven’t bothered to take advantage of them given their busy lives.

How about health apps? They both wear Apple watches and use health apps. They bought their watches, so they don’t share their data with their carrier or his employer (to their knowledge).

What else? Like many Chicagoans, they have a dog. It loves the water in Lake Michigan, but not during winter. Don’t get them started on the cost of their dog’s health care!

As their parents discuss “Medicare for All,” these young adults don’t understand why health coverage depends on their jobs and don’t like that they have so few options. Ten years from now, will it be different? Maybe. In the meantime, they’re Mastering Health Insurance.