Dive Brief:
- Results from a national survey by Valence Health find that just 38% of respondents receive their health coverage through an employer, down from 59% of respondents in the company's 2013 survey.
- Valence says the research underscores the impact industry reform has had on consumer choice and prompting individuals to take ownership of their healthcare.
- The survey finds that Americans are spending more time evaluating their options; nearly 40% report spending seven or more hours on it.
Dive Insight:
The report follows news from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics that more than 90% of Americans are now covered by health insurance. Valance credits the figure to the ACA and the movement toward incentive-based payment models for more empowered consumers.
“In the two years since we first conducted this study, millions of Americans have gained access to health insurance and significant shifts in the industry have placed more consumers in the driver’s seat when it comes to their care,” said Phil Kamp, Valence Health’s chief strategy officer, in a prepared statement.
The survey data indicate that when given a choice, individuals readily take on more responsibility in selecting their health coverage, Kamp says.
In addition, 21% of respondents are interested in insurance through a local hospital or health plan, according to the survey.