Data from two surveys are used in this DataWatch to explore Americans'
understanding of their health insurance. First, data from a national
survey of consumers are used to examine if people with private health
insurance correctly report their coverage for six services. Second, in
formation from an evaluation of a pilot project of subsidized insuranc
e in New York is used to investigate how well newly insured persons un
derstand their coverage. Based on these surveys, almost all privately
insured people understand the basic elements of their insurance plans
but underestimate their coverage for mental health, substance abuse, a
nd prescription drug benefits and overestimate their coverage for long
-term care. People who are newly insured in physician networks or heal
th maintenance organizations seem uncertain about what services their
plans covers and restrictions on their choice of hospitals.