Los Angelinos and their Coverage: Dinner Table Conversations

Los Angelinos wanted to talk about their health care coverage over “coffee and dessert.” Here’s some of what they shared at the dinner table:

  • Young adult in early 30s. She’s a gig worker who buys coverage through Covered California, the state’s exchange (i.e., Obamacare). Her premium is “expensive” because she earns too much to qualify for a subsidy, but out-of-pocket expenses are limited. She’s happy that her plan covers prescription drugs and mental health.
  • Family of four. Working parents in their 40s have one college graduate and one high schooler. All are insured through dad’s employer coverage, and the family juggles the cost of private education and health care. “Someone always needs a doctor or something done for one reason or another.”
  • Empty nesters in their 50s. They both work, but only his job provides employer coverage. He’s in a union, so benefits are richer and costs are lower than many employer plans. The couple is also lucky to have access to nontraditional medicine, such as acupuncture.
  • Recent retiree in early 60s. She retired before turning 65 and chose to enroll in COBRA. She’s using her Health Savings Account to offset the (high) cost of COBRA until she can enroll in Medicare. “The administration has been a bear.”
  • Married couple with two dogs and a cat. She’s covered by her employer. He’s retired and covered by both Medicare and her plan, which helps to pay for any costs not covered by Medicare. But their pets are the biggest worry. “They cost us a fortune.”

These Los Angelinos exemplify the complexity of our country’s health insurance system(s). They are more likely to be insured than fellow Americans because of the state’s efforts through Covered California and Medicaid expansion. They are also less likely to be covered through traditional sources; therefore, they are open to solutions beyond employer coverage and “Medicare4All.” In other words, they’re Mastering Health Insurance.

Photo taken at the Los Angeles County Art Museum, where the Levitated Mass is a wonder to behold.

Source: KFF’s State Health Facts (2017 data)