AHIP: Most Consumers Are Satisfied with Employer-Provided Coverage

Conducted by LSG on behalf of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), a survey on the opinions of US consumers in 2023 found that many prefer to receive coverage from their employer rather than through the state, and that they value coverage and affordability.

Amid the evolving healthcare landscape and its policies, many consumers experience changes in their perceptions of care. LSG conducted a survey of 1,000 US consumers with employer-provided coverage to gain insight into patient perceptions. The survey took place between April 17 and 25, 2023.

A significant finding that emerged from the survey was consumers’ partiality towards employer-provided coverage. Researchers noted that 63 percent of consumers were satisfied with this type of coverage and that 68 percent preferred this over federal or state coverage.

Inflation and living costs also affect opinions towards expenses. The survey found that 53 percent of respondents expressed discomfort toward what they paid for coverage.

However, researchers also found that patients placed more value on comprehensiveness than affordability, with 60 percent prioritizing the former and 40 percent prioritizing the latter. Most respondents also indicated that preventative services, access to providers, and financial reassurance following a high-expense medical event were addressed effectively.

Regarding plan benefits, emergency care, prescription drugs, and preventive care were the most valued, with 62 percent, 58 percent, and 55 percent of consumers prioritizing each, respectively. Also, 49 percent of respondents were satisfied with their employers’ coverage for pediatric mental health.

The survey also found that the benefit offerings of a company heavily dictate recruitment and retention.  After learning that the average company covers about 70 to 80 percent of costs, 61 percent of respondents reported a better impression of these organizations.

When reviewing survey feedback, researchers also indicated that telehealth gained a high level of value and support. Data indicated that 68 percent of patients valued coverage of telehealth, and 73 percent supported the extension of pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities. 

Similar to these results that showed a level of support surrounding employer-provided coverage, satisfaction has also been high in the past.

A previous poll from Seven Letter Insight for the Protecting Americans’ Coverage Together campaign showed a high level of overall satisfaction with this type of coverage. With the inclusion of 2,334 patients under employer-provided coverage, the survey took place between November 14 and November 19, 2022.

According to the survey, 93 percent of respondents  expressed overall satisfaction with their insurance, while 54 percent stated they felt highly satisfied. Researchers also found that this was the most desired source of coverage, as 89 percent of respondents preferred it over other forms such as government plans.