Job-based health insurance in 2001: Inflation hits double digits, managed care retreats

Drawing on the results of a national survey of 1,907 firms with three or mo re workers, this paper reports on several facets of job-based health insura nce, including the cost to employers and workers; plan offerings and enroll ments; patient cost sharing and benefits; eligibility, coverage, and take-u p rates; and results from questions about employers' knowledge of market tr ends and health policy initiatives. Premiums increased 11 percent from spri ng 2000 to spring 2001, and the percentage of Americans in health maintenan ce organizations (HMOs) fell six percentage points to its lowest level sinc e 1993, while preferred provider organization (PPO) enrollment rose to 48 p ercent. Despite premium increases, the percentage of firms offering coverag e remained statistically unchanged, and a relatively strong labor market ha s continued to shield workers from the higher cost of coverage.