Consumers in Boston
While attending a conference in Boston, consumers talked about their coverage during morning runs, at coffee breaks, and over dessert. Many lived in Massachusetts, which has the highest percentage of insured residents in the U.S. at more than 97 percent. Here are their stories.
- Business executive in his late 60s needed employer-sponsored insurance because his wife hadn’t turned 65 yet. He had enrolled in Medicare Part A, as required, and planned to retire once they both fully enrolled in Medicare. He expected to buy a Medigap plan in addition to Traditional Medicare.
- Cab driver enrolled in coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector, the Commonwealth’s ACA marketplace. The taxi company didn’t provide drivers with employer-sponsored insurance. He was relieved to visit doctors and get prescriptions at nominal cost.
- Early retiree had a retirement package that provided employer-sponsored insurance until she turned 65 next year. She was learning about Medicare’s many options and exploring Medicare Advantage plans to control her expenses.
- Small business owners purchased an employer-sponsored health plan for themselves and their handful of employees. They were concerned with costs but believed it was important to cover the full premium for employees and their families.
- Young adult had coverage through a parent’s plan, although he had started his first job (with benefits). Given budgetary concerns, he didn’t plan to enroll in his employer’s health plan until he turned 26 and lost eligibility for parental coverage.
In a state where more than half of all residents were enrolled in employer-sponsored insurance, consumers were also knowledgeable about health care coverage through the ACA, Medicaid, and Medicare. In other words, these consumers were Mastering Health Insurance.
Source: KFF (2022 data)
Photo: View of Boston from Cambridge on an early morning run