Most workers say they are satisfied with their employer’s health benefits

Workers say they are satisfied with workplace benefits. — Employee benefits are growing in importance as labor proves scarce.

By Susan Rupe

A majority of those who receive health insurance through their employer-provided plan said they are more satisfied with the coverage they receive through work than they are with the current health insurance system overall.

That was one of the key takeaways from research conducted by Locust Street Group and presented at a webinar by America’s Health Insurance Plans. The research was part of AHIP’s Coverage@Work campaign, which aims to educate policymakers and the public about the value of employer-provided coverage.

The survey showed that although 54% of the 1,000 adults surveyed said they are satisfied with the current health system overall, 67% said they were satisfied with the coverage they receive through their employer.

What makes someone satisfied with their coverage? The top three reasons given were:

Affordability – 45%
Comprehensive coverage – 45%
Choice of providers – 44%

Other factors that rounded out the list of reasons for being satisfied included: free preventive services, consistency, customer service, the ability to receive care locally, wellness incentives and innovation.

Those who receive coverage through a union plan indicated high rates of satisfaction with their health insurance, the survey found. Eighty-five percent of those who have union coverage said they were satisfied with the health benefits their union negotiated for them.

It is more important for employer-provided coverage to be comprehensive than it is for it to be affordable, survey respondents said. This was especially true of those 55 years old and older, with 77% of that age group saying it is more important that their health insurance covers every service they need.

Prescription drugs, emergency care, preventive care and care for chronic conditions were ranked by survey respondents as the top four most important benefits that their plans cover.

Nearly three-quarters (74%) of survey respondents said they believe their employer-based health insurance is easy to use and 73% said they understand the benefits and services covered under the plan.

More than half (56%) of respondents said they believe the amount they pay in premiums, copays and out-of-pocket expenses for their employer-based plan is reasonable.

The COVID-19 pandemic made survey respondents realize the importance of their coverage. Three-quarters of those surveyed said their employer-based health insurance was important in maintaining their family’s health and financial security.

Health insurance is important in employee recruiting and retention. The survey showed 87% of workers said health coverage was crucial in their decision to accept their current job, while 84% said their health benefits are a big reason why they remain in that job.

Keep your taxes off my health coverage!

More than one in four survey respondents (43%) oppose taxing health benefits. That percentage rises to 70% of those ages 55 and older.

Half of those surveyed said they would be less likely to vote for a federal lawmaker who favored taxing health benefits.

Employer-based health benefits are “integral to business operations today,” said Neil Trautwein of the Partnership for Employer-Sponsored Coverage. “Employers don’t make a profit from the coverage we sponsor. But it pays real dividends – just not the cash kind.”

Employers sponsor health coverage “because it makes sense to,” Trautwein continued. “It is absolutely critical to recruiting employees and vital to their retention. Workforce health is a critical resource. Employer-sponsored coverage has been vital during our current pandemic and has provided stability in uncertain times.”

Susan Rupe is managing editor for InsuranceNewsNet. She formerly served as communications director for an insurance agents' association and was an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @INNsusan.