Talking about Employer-Sponsored Insurance in Chicago

As 25,000 HR professionals enjoyed Chicago and its skyline at SHRM’s annual conference, many explored solutions for their employer-sponsored insurance programs. Colleagues shared being overwhelmed with—and skeptical of—solutions that promised to improve care, reduce costs, and simplify administration.

Many of the 158 million Americans who are covered by employer-sponsored insurance are also overwhelmed and skeptical. Let’s consider those whose jobs don’t offer a health plan or whose coverage—and jobs—are lost:  

• A ride-share driver bought coverage on the federal marketplace plan because her full-time job didn’t offer employer-sponsored insurance. Her income was such that her premium was subsidized and her kids were covered by the Children’s Health insurance Program.
• Hundreds of employees lost both their jobs and their coverage when a grocery store chain closed suddenly. They were eligible to buy coverage through COBRA or on the federal marketplace, which could be expensive and complicated.
• Another worker chose one job over another because it offered employer-sponsored insurance. She felt forced to do “the right thing” for herself and her children even though she preferred the job (and its flexibility) that did not offer health benefits.

HR professionals bear the burden of administering health insurance for their employers and employees. It’s not easy. Others are burdened to find coverage in new jobs or buy it elsewhere. It should be easier. In the meantime, these consumers were Mastering Health Insurance.

Source: KFF (2022 data)

Photo: Chicago Skyline at its best