The proportion of Americans under age 65 covered by employer-sponsored health plans fell to 63% in 2003, compared with 67% in 2001, according to a study released Tuesday.
In all, about 9 million fewer Americans had employer health coverage in 2003 than in 2001, after accounting for population growth, according to the study. The report, based on information from about 25,000 families, was published by the Center for Studying Health System Change, a nonpartisan policy research organization in Washington.
Much of the decline stemmed from reduced employment in the tough economy, though sharply rising health care costs likely played a role as well, according to HSC Health Researcher Bradley C. Strunk, who co-authored the report.
Despite the decrease in employer-provided coverage, insurance provided through government programs prevented a significant increase in the number of uninsured Americans. The proportion of under-65 individuals enrolled in programs such as Medicaid increased to 12% from 9% between 2001 and 2003, the report notes.
The report is available at www.hschange.org/CONTENT/694/.
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