KFF, Commonwealth Fund Surveys Show Rising Health Costs, Coverage Losses
Citing two reports published Thursday, NPR reports that KFF's annual employer survey found family health insurance premiums averaging $28,000 a year, up 5%, while workers' share of premiums rose 9%. A separate Commonwealth Fund survey found 43% of insured workers skipped care due to cost and 31% carried medical debt, and found the national uninsured rate has risen over the past two years. Commonwealth Fund researchers attribute part of the coverage decline to expiring ACA marketplace subsidies and post-pandemic Medicaid disenrollment, and project further Medicaid coverage losses next year when new work requirements take effect. Nearly three-quarters of respondents, including a majority of Republicans, said the federal government has a responsibility to ensure coverage.