A frequent message in the media is that people don’t want to give up their employer-sponsored health insurance. Is this industry spin or a reality?
Let’s look at the facts. Based on an analysis from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 66 million people lose their job each year through quitting, firing, lay offs or life circumstances. That is almost half of the population (44% of workers).
When they lose their jobs, they often lose their health insurance.
On top of that, this study from the University of Michigan finds that changing insurance each year is common in the United States.
People who purchase individual insurance are the most likely to change insurance (53%), followed by people with Medicaid (38%) and 28% of those with employer-sponsored plans were not continuously-enrolled in the Michigan study.
In other words, people “lose” their health insurance commonly. Some end up uninsured. Others scramble to find a job that offers benefits or a plan they can afford. For people with ongoing health conditions, this can be very disruptive to their care.
Would people be willing to “give up” their health insurance for national improved Medicare for All, knowing they would have it for the rest of their lives? The Fox News Town Hall last night provides insight into that answer.
Fox News host Brett Baier described the audience as people from across the political spectrum. He asked two questions:
1. How many of you have private health insurance?
2. How many of you would be willing to give it up for Medicare for All?
Watch the response:
