Explaining Health Care Reform: What Is An Employer “Pay-or-Play” Requirement? May 1, 2009 Issue Brief To broaden coverage, some health reform proposals would require employers to offer coverage or pay to help finance subsidies for those without access to affordable coverage. These types of reforms are often referred to as “pay-or-play” policies. The brief explains the concept and policy implications of employer pay-or-play proposals, which…
How Private Health Coverage Works: A Primer – 2008 Update April 1, 2008 Issue Brief How Private Health Coverage Works: A Primer— 2008 Update This primer explains the role and operations of private health coverage in the United States. Private health coverage is provided under a variety of different arrangements, including health insuring organizations regulated under state law and health plans sponsored by employers and employee…
A Consumer Guide to Handling Disputes with Your Employer or Private Health Plan July 30, 2005 Report Most people get their health care through some form of managed care plan – a health maintenance organization, preferred provider organization, or point-of-service option. Most of the time, people receive the care they need, but the potential exists for disagreements over the services that will be provided or paid for…
Retiree Health Benefits in 2003: Employer Survey December 31, 2003 Report This survey, conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation and Hewitt Associates between June and September 2003 provides detailed information on retiree health programs offered by large private-sector employers. The data in this survey reflect the responses of 408 large firms (private-sector employers with 1,000 or more workers) and provides information…
How Affordability of Employer Coverage Varies by Family Income June 30, 2025 Issue Brief This analysis looks at the share of family income people with employer-based coverage pay toward their premiums and out-of-pocket payments for medical care. The cost of employer sponsored health insurance—including premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs—has risen steadily over time.
The Cost of Cancer February 5, 2009 Video This Kaiser Family Foundation documentary explores the financial consequences faced by three people, all privately insured, after being diagnosed with cancer. It was released in conjunction with a joint Kaiser/American Cancer Society report, “Spending To Survive: Cancer Patients Confront Holes in the Health Insurance System.” The Cost of Cancer: Tom…