From the Miami Herald
BY BEATRICE E. GARCIA
Insurance companies in South Florida are overwhelmed with claims from Hurricane Wilma, leaving thousands of homeowners frustrated because they have yet to see an adjuster and begin repairs.
Wilma could leave major home, condo and auto insurers with more claims than in all the other seven storms that hit Florida in 2004 and 2005. Platoons of adjusters have descended on the region, many from other states, to handle the estimated $6.1 billion in claims.
Citizens Property Insurance, the state-run insurer of last resort and the second largest home insurer in the state, is handling more than 123,000 claims so far. That total, five weeks after Wilma hit, already has surpassed the 120,000 claims it saw after Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne last year.
Of those 123,000 claims, Citizens at the start of this week had settled 11 percent. It has nearly 2,000 people working on adjusting claims, many of them for leaking roofs and blown-out windows, the company said.
State Farm, the state's No. 1 insurer of homes and autos, is fielding 88,333 home property claims, including flood claims that it is adjusting for the National Flood Insurance Program. It also is handling more than 65,000 auto claims. Figures on how many claims State Farm has settled were unavailable Thursday.
Insurers are urging patience, but that's dwindling among their customers. More than 2,000 homeowner complaints have been filed at the state Department of Financial Services' consumer services division.
In Broward, more than 1,200 complaints out of about 1,500 deal with issues regarding adjusters, according to state documents. In Miami-Dade, there are nearly 199 adjuster complaints out of more than 500 complaints filed with the state.
NEW LEAKS
Terry Minda in West Palm Beach has paid about $2,000 to remove a 30-foot pine that fell on her garage and part of her home and to repair the flat roof over the enclosed porch. But now leaks have appeared in the living room, dining room and family room.
''I realize there are lots of people in the same situation, but something has to be done,'' said Minda, who is considering hiring a public adjuster to estimate the repair costs and help her negotiate with her insurer, State Farm.
Ray Breslin, condo association president for Mantell Condominiums in Miami Beach, said he reported the building's damage to his insurance agent right after the storm. But every time he calls the 800 number he was given to make contact with a Citizens adjuster, all he gets is a busy signal.
Breslin is eager to get repairs under way and already ordered the glass to replace the broken lobby windows.
''I just need to know what's covered and what's not,'' he said, noting that the condo association has a $96,000 deductible.
Jeanne Kos in Coral Springs said she was was outraged when an Allstate customer representative told her to climb on her roof and get the measurements for the area damaged when a tree fell on the house.
She, too, has paid to have some repairs done -- about $13,000 -- to prevent further damage while she waits to see the adjuster.
''I'm very frustrated. I've put out more money out of pocket than I should,'' said Kos, who is worried it could still take months before a roofer actually begins work on her house.
For their part, insurers say they're not ignoring policyholders. But as claims pour in, they're practicing a form of ''claims triage,'' tackling claims where they expect the most damage.
WHO COMES FIRST
''We see first the people where the need is greatest,'' said Lynn McChristensen, a spokeswoman for USAA, which provides home and auto insurance for the military and their families. USAA has received 25,530 home claims so far, and another 7,500 auto claims.
Citizens follows the same rule, said Justin Glover, a company spokesman.
So far, Glover said the company is meeting a state rule that requires insurers to acknowledge claims within 14 days after they are reported to the company.
NOVEL APPROACHES
''That doesn't mean that everyone has seen an adjuster,'' he said.
Some insurers are coming up with novel ways to handle claims more quickly.
State Farm set up two drive-through centers in South Florida to handle auto claims. At both, an auto glass installer fixed broken windshields and windows on the spot if possible.
The company is resolving small claims by phone, such as for screen enclosures or minor roof damage, said Jose Soto, a State Farm spokesman in Miami. He said homeowners are also advised to get repair estimates if they're concerned that costs might not be enough to surpass their policy deductible.
The magnitude of damage brought about by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast is one reason insurers dealing with Wilma in South Florida are so stretched. They're handling the aftermath of two large storms.
Last year, state regulators fined several insurers who were slow to respond and resolve claims. They're monitoring claims-handling operations this year as well. Citizens, which was widely criticized for its inability to deal with last year's storm claims, said it has revamped its catastrophe operations.
Ron Major of Pembroke Pines decided to wait a few days before he contacted his insurer, Atlantic Preferred, thinking he might not be able to reach the company during the initial calling crush.
He reported his broken windows, downed fence and missing roof shingles Nov. 7. He has a claims number but has yet to see an adjuster.
Like other homeowners, Major has had no luck reaching a customer service rep on the 800 number he was given after his initial call.
''I'm working on getting estimates on fixing the windows and roof myself now,'' Major said.
Friday, December 2, 2005
School Health Insurance: Gaining handle on insurance costs must be state, local priority
A Lansing State Journal editorial
The Lansing School District has less money to educate local youth. Some teachers are suggesting pay-free work days for instructors.
A school board member notes a $3 million increase, in one-year, in the district's health care costs.
And the Michigan Legislature is looking at bills to create a different way for schools to buy employee health insurance.
Changing the rules on health insurance won't end Lansing's enrollment drain. It will, however, make Lansing better able to help the children who are here.
As board member Hugh Clarke Jr. noted in an LSJ story, contractual obligations force big payments on the district, even when drooping enrollment leads to less state aid. Staff downsizing is inevitable for Lansing schools right now, but it should be wise downsizing.
That means having a smaller, but skilled work force. And that means having the finances and flexibility to get - and hold on to - good, veteran teachers.
Legislation now under review at the State Capitol would give school districts a new way to band together to buy insurance. There are major flaws in this approach, not the least of which is the lack of mandates for financial reserves for these pools.
But lawmakers are right to seek action; to seek new ways to help Clarke and Michigan's other school board members.
The status quo is a luxury Lansing cannot afford.
The Lansing School District has less money to educate local youth. Some teachers are suggesting pay-free work days for instructors.
A school board member notes a $3 million increase, in one-year, in the district's health care costs.
And the Michigan Legislature is looking at bills to create a different way for schools to buy employee health insurance.
Changing the rules on health insurance won't end Lansing's enrollment drain. It will, however, make Lansing better able to help the children who are here.
As board member Hugh Clarke Jr. noted in an LSJ story, contractual obligations force big payments on the district, even when drooping enrollment leads to less state aid. Staff downsizing is inevitable for Lansing schools right now, but it should be wise downsizing.
That means having a smaller, but skilled work force. And that means having the finances and flexibility to get - and hold on to - good, veteran teachers.
Legislation now under review at the State Capitol would give school districts a new way to band together to buy insurance. There are major flaws in this approach, not the least of which is the lack of mandates for financial reserves for these pools.
But lawmakers are right to seek action; to seek new ways to help Clarke and Michigan's other school board members.
The status quo is a luxury Lansing cannot afford.
Thursday, December 1, 2005
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder Computer Problem Fixed
From KaiserNetwork.org
CMS said it has addressed problems related to inaccurate information in the Medicare Drug Plan Finder, USA Today reports (Appleby, USA Today, 12/1). CMS spokesperson Gary Karr said that a problem related to computer data had inflated drug prices artificially for the Medicare Rx Rewards Premier plan offered by Unicare. The cost estimate for the plan had increased by more than $1,250 since the tool was activated (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 11/30). CMS on Tuesday fixed problems involving incorrect monthly copayments listed for plans offered by UniCare and CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield. The computer problems improperly raised their annual cost estimates. The fix resulted in UniCare's plan cost estimate dropping by $1,296. Karr said other errors discovered since the Web site went live last month have been addressed. Tricia Neuman, a Kaiser Family Foundation vice president and director of its Medicare Policy Project, said CMS "has been incredibly responsive in trying to fix the problems, but there is a question about what happens to seniors who have chosen a plan based on faulty information." Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) on Tuesday in a letter to CMS officials said the Web site should warn users that even without errors, plans' cost estimates can change weekly as insurers update their drug selection. Consumers Union on Wednesday in a letter to CMS Administrator Mark McClellan said the price changes "create the potential for consumer deception and anger." Karr said beneficiaries should remember that they do not need to find "the perfect plan" because "many options would work." He also said the prices likely will not change substantially before the drug benefit begins (USA Today, 12/1).
CMS said it has addressed problems related to inaccurate information in the Medicare Drug Plan Finder, USA Today reports (Appleby, USA Today, 12/1). CMS spokesperson Gary Karr said that a problem related to computer data had inflated drug prices artificially for the Medicare Rx Rewards Premier plan offered by Unicare. The cost estimate for the plan had increased by more than $1,250 since the tool was activated (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 11/30). CMS on Tuesday fixed problems involving incorrect monthly copayments listed for plans offered by UniCare and CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield. The computer problems improperly raised their annual cost estimates. The fix resulted in UniCare's plan cost estimate dropping by $1,296. Karr said other errors discovered since the Web site went live last month have been addressed. Tricia Neuman, a Kaiser Family Foundation vice president and director of its Medicare Policy Project, said CMS "has been incredibly responsive in trying to fix the problems, but there is a question about what happens to seniors who have chosen a plan based on faulty information." Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) on Tuesday in a letter to CMS officials said the Web site should warn users that even without errors, plans' cost estimates can change weekly as insurers update their drug selection. Consumers Union on Wednesday in a letter to CMS Administrator Mark McClellan said the price changes "create the potential for consumer deception and anger." Karr said beneficiaries should remember that they do not need to find "the perfect plan" because "many options would work." He also said the prices likely will not change substantially before the drug benefit begins (USA Today, 12/1).
States Launch Plans to Expand Health Coverage
AccountingWEB.com - December 01, 2005 - As the healthcare debate in Washington, D.C. fizzles out, the states are taking on ambitious proposals to expand insurance coverage.
"The lack of action in Washington is not because of the lack of a problem,? Alan R. Weil, executive director of the National Academy for State Health Policy, told the Los Angeles Times. ?It's because of a lack of agreement and, frankly, a lack of consequences for failing to address the issue. At the state level, if you have a Medicaid budget problem or a growing number of uninsured, you have to tackle the issue."
Consider some of the proposals. In Maine, for example, lawmakers are considering recouping health costs from large employers, such as Wal-Mart, that don't provide adequate health insurance for their employees, Statehouse News Service reported. Employees often turn to the state's subsidized insurance program. Maine senators are looking at a model, which was vetoed in Maryland, that would require companies with more than 10,000 employees to spend 8 percent of their payroll on healthcare benefits or contribute to the state's health program for the poor.
?There's no easy solution to this, but I think people pick on Wal-Mart because they make this great claim they have all these benefits, but I'm not sure their employees can afford all these benefits,? Maine Senate President Beth Edmonds said. ?They're not paying their people very much, and with the benefit that's being provided, they still end up in the emergency room ? or bankrupting themselves? to pay their health bills.
In Massachusetts, lawmakers want to expand coverage to the state's 500,000 uninsured residents. As part of that effort, lawmakers have proposed charging a payroll tax of 5 to 7 percent on employers that do not provide health insurance for their workers. The plan has sparked opposition from business groups, the Boston Globe reported.
''You've got employers who are facing the highest energy costs, the highest wages, the highest unemployment insurance, the highest real estate costs ? and to now put this on? You're going to be in a position where the job growth isn't there, where people aren't making a decision to grow their business," said Bill Vernon, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business.
Initiatives like these back up information gathered by the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, which found that 20 states expanded access to healthcare from July 2004 to July 2005. The October study said that 14 states limited access in some way, mainly by raising premiums for programs covering low-income children.
The problem shows no signs of letting up, as employers continue limiting traditional coverage in the face of increasing costs.
"Washington needs to wake up and smell the coffee," said John E. McDonough, executive director of Health Care for All, a consumer group, the Los Angeles Times reported. "Employer-based coverage is melting away like the Arctic ice cap. It is stunning and alarming. The basic underpinnings of the healthcare system are badly eroding."
For now, it appears the states are taking the lead, with interested parties in Washington closely watching their progress.
"You can't fix the whole healthcare system by putting a Band-Aid on each individual hurt, or each individual state," said Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). "At the end of the day, you are going to have to integrate this very constructive, locally driven brainstorming into a framework that benefits the country as a whole."
"The lack of action in Washington is not because of the lack of a problem,? Alan R. Weil, executive director of the National Academy for State Health Policy, told the Los Angeles Times. ?It's because of a lack of agreement and, frankly, a lack of consequences for failing to address the issue. At the state level, if you have a Medicaid budget problem or a growing number of uninsured, you have to tackle the issue."
Consider some of the proposals. In Maine, for example, lawmakers are considering recouping health costs from large employers, such as Wal-Mart, that don't provide adequate health insurance for their employees, Statehouse News Service reported. Employees often turn to the state's subsidized insurance program. Maine senators are looking at a model, which was vetoed in Maryland, that would require companies with more than 10,000 employees to spend 8 percent of their payroll on healthcare benefits or contribute to the state's health program for the poor.
?There's no easy solution to this, but I think people pick on Wal-Mart because they make this great claim they have all these benefits, but I'm not sure their employees can afford all these benefits,? Maine Senate President Beth Edmonds said. ?They're not paying their people very much, and with the benefit that's being provided, they still end up in the emergency room ? or bankrupting themselves? to pay their health bills.
In Massachusetts, lawmakers want to expand coverage to the state's 500,000 uninsured residents. As part of that effort, lawmakers have proposed charging a payroll tax of 5 to 7 percent on employers that do not provide health insurance for their workers. The plan has sparked opposition from business groups, the Boston Globe reported.
''You've got employers who are facing the highest energy costs, the highest wages, the highest unemployment insurance, the highest real estate costs ? and to now put this on? You're going to be in a position where the job growth isn't there, where people aren't making a decision to grow their business," said Bill Vernon, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business.
Initiatives like these back up information gathered by the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, which found that 20 states expanded access to healthcare from July 2004 to July 2005. The October study said that 14 states limited access in some way, mainly by raising premiums for programs covering low-income children.
The problem shows no signs of letting up, as employers continue limiting traditional coverage in the face of increasing costs.
"Washington needs to wake up and smell the coffee," said John E. McDonough, executive director of Health Care for All, a consumer group, the Los Angeles Times reported. "Employer-based coverage is melting away like the Arctic ice cap. It is stunning and alarming. The basic underpinnings of the healthcare system are badly eroding."
For now, it appears the states are taking the lead, with interested parties in Washington closely watching their progress.
"You can't fix the whole healthcare system by putting a Band-Aid on each individual hurt, or each individual state," said Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). "At the end of the day, you are going to have to integrate this very constructive, locally driven brainstorming into a framework that benefits the country as a whole."
Aetna introduces new health insurance for individuals In Florida
Aetna will launch health plans for individuals and their families in Florida, effective Dec. 15.
The plans are designed to provide affordable, comprehensive health coverage options. In addition, Aetna (NYSE: AET) is offering a dental benefit.
All the plans allow members to go to any doctor, hospital or health care professional, including specialists, for covered services. If a member uses Aetna's network of participating physicians and hospitals, out-of-pocket costs will be lower.
All of Aetna's Florida plans also feature coverage for preventive care, specialty care, hospitalization and surgery, diagnostic testing and emergency care. Some of the plans also include prescription drug coverage.
In addition to plan benefits, members may access discounted rates from certain vision, fitness and alternative health care providers for products and services available to the general public.
The plans are designed to provide affordable, comprehensive health coverage options. In addition, Aetna (NYSE: AET) is offering a dental benefit.
All the plans allow members to go to any doctor, hospital or health care professional, including specialists, for covered services. If a member uses Aetna's network of participating physicians and hospitals, out-of-pocket costs will be lower.
All of Aetna's Florida plans also feature coverage for preventive care, specialty care, hospitalization and surgery, diagnostic testing and emergency care. Some of the plans also include prescription drug coverage.
In addition to plan benefits, members may access discounted rates from certain vision, fitness and alternative health care providers for products and services available to the general public.
Golden Rule Introduces Lower Cost Health Insurance Plans to Individuals
Press release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 30, 2005--Golden Rule Insurance Company, a leader in the individual health insurance market for nearly 60 years and a UnitedHealthcare company, announced today that it will begin offering coverage to individuals and families in Kentucky.
Golden Rule's product portfolio includes a full range of health plans including health savings account (HSA) plans, other high deductible plans and traditional copay plans. For consumers who thought they could not afford health insurance until now, "Saver" options within each type of plan feature Golden Rule's lowest premiums.
In addition, Golden Rule customers will have access to UnitedHealthcare's network of more than 7,600 physicians and 107 hospitals throughout Kentucky, as well as to an extensive national network. Network access also translates into discounted health care and reduced out-of-pocket expenses for consumers.
"Families are struggling to fit another expense into their budgets at a time when everything seems to cost more from the gas pump to home heating, but no one can really afford to be without health insurance coverage," said Mike Corne, Golden Rule vice president of health products.
"We believe that the residents of Kentucky who buy their own health insurance will find that Golden Rule offers a choice of affordable, high quality health plans, prompt handling of claims and a dedication to customer service," Corne said. "We are pleased to be doing business in Kentucky and appreciate the welcome we've received."
According to Lawrence Kissner, UnitedHealthcare president & CEO for Kentucky, "UnitedHealthcare has a long history of serving the people of Kentucky, including the introduction of health savings accounts for small and large businesses. Now, with the addition of Golden Rule, we're able to meet the needs of both the individual and employer group markets.
"At the same time, Golden Rule's entry into the state expands the options for consumers looking for affordable health insurance with the strength of a large national company and its network of doctors and hospitals," Kissner said.
Golden Rule helped pioneer the HSA which combines a high deductible insurance plan with a tax-favored savings account. Golden Rule customers typically save 45-55 percent in premiums by choosing a health savings account plan over a more traditional plan. Today, 42 percent of health plans purchased from Golden Rule throughout the country are HSAs and its customers have accumulated more than $142 million in their savings accounts.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 30, 2005--Golden Rule Insurance Company, a leader in the individual health insurance market for nearly 60 years and a UnitedHealthcare company, announced today that it will begin offering coverage to individuals and families in Kentucky.
Golden Rule's product portfolio includes a full range of health plans including health savings account (HSA) plans, other high deductible plans and traditional copay plans. For consumers who thought they could not afford health insurance until now, "Saver" options within each type of plan feature Golden Rule's lowest premiums.
In addition, Golden Rule customers will have access to UnitedHealthcare's network of more than 7,600 physicians and 107 hospitals throughout Kentucky, as well as to an extensive national network. Network access also translates into discounted health care and reduced out-of-pocket expenses for consumers.
"Families are struggling to fit another expense into their budgets at a time when everything seems to cost more from the gas pump to home heating, but no one can really afford to be without health insurance coverage," said Mike Corne, Golden Rule vice president of health products.
"We believe that the residents of Kentucky who buy their own health insurance will find that Golden Rule offers a choice of affordable, high quality health plans, prompt handling of claims and a dedication to customer service," Corne said. "We are pleased to be doing business in Kentucky and appreciate the welcome we've received."
According to Lawrence Kissner, UnitedHealthcare president & CEO for Kentucky, "UnitedHealthcare has a long history of serving the people of Kentucky, including the introduction of health savings accounts for small and large businesses. Now, with the addition of Golden Rule, we're able to meet the needs of both the individual and employer group markets.
"At the same time, Golden Rule's entry into the state expands the options for consumers looking for affordable health insurance with the strength of a large national company and its network of doctors and hospitals," Kissner said.
Golden Rule helped pioneer the HSA which combines a high deductible insurance plan with a tax-favored savings account. Golden Rule customers typically save 45-55 percent in premiums by choosing a health savings account plan over a more traditional plan. Today, 42 percent of health plans purchased from Golden Rule throughout the country are HSAs and its customers have accumulated more than $142 million in their savings accounts.
Four of Five U.S. Part-Timers Lack Employer Health Insurance
From Bloomberg
Four of every five part-time workers in the U.S. lack employer-sponsored health insurance, a study released today reports.
By comparison, about one of every four full-time employees is without such insurance, according to the study conducted by the Iowa Policy Project, a nonprofit public policy research group in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.
The study analyzed insurance coverage for ``nonstandard'' employees, such as part-time, temporary or contract workers. About 34.3 million Americans, or 25 percent of the nation's workforce, fall into that category, according to the study.
The research ``demonstrates the weakness in our health insurance system'' for a ``vulnerable group of workers,'' said Sara Collins, a senior program officer with the Commonwealth Fund, a New York nonprofit group that financed the research.
The study, based on 2001 census data and telephone surveys by the researchers in 2003 and 2004, found 21 percent of nonstandard employees had health insurance through their jobs, compared with 74 percent of full-time workers.
About 15 percent of the children and 16 percent of the wives of nonstandard employees received health insurance through the worker's employer, the study found.
Rising Costs
``It's a problem if you're a part-time employee who can't get full-time coverage because your paycheck won't cover it,'' said Kate Sullivan Hare, executive director of health care policy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington.
``We need to have a private health-care insurance market that can cover these people,'' Sullivan Hare said in an interview.
Because of rising costs, it's becoming ``less and less likely'' that employers will subsidize all workers' health insurance, she said. A study released in October by benefits consulting firm Hewitt Associates predicted U.S. companies will pay an average 9.9 percent more for workers' health insurance next year.
Some companies employ part-time workers to avoid paying for health insurance, Kathleen Stoll, director of health policy for Families USA, a Washington-based group that lobbies for ``affordable'' health care, said in an interview.
The study also found nonstandard workers use government insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, at five times the rate of regular workers. Nonstandard workers rely on the government because they have ``less options,'' the Commonwealth Fund's Collins said.
`Growing Trend'
Less employer-based coverage ``has been a growing trend'' since the 1970s, said Peter Fisher, research director for the Iowa Policy Project and one of the study's authors. Employment- based health insurance today covers 60 percent of the U.S. population, down from 70 percent in the mid-1970s, according to research cited by the study.
Fisher and the two other authors of the study, Elaine Ditsler and Colin Gordon, encourage labor law changes that would give nonstandard workers the same status as full-time employees. Still, policy makers must be ``wary of mandating coverage for very low-wage workers'' when employees can't bear the cost, the study says.
Fisher said he doesn't anticipate increased employer-based coverage in the near future. ``I don't see policies coming out of the national level to deal with health-care costs,'' he said in an interview.
The Iowa Policy Project's telephone survey of nonstandard workers consisted of 20-minute telephone interviews among a random sample of workers over 18 years old.
The survey has a margin of error of 1.5 percentage points, while the analysis based on Census Bureau data has a margin of error of less than one percent.
Four of every five part-time workers in the U.S. lack employer-sponsored health insurance, a study released today reports.
By comparison, about one of every four full-time employees is without such insurance, according to the study conducted by the Iowa Policy Project, a nonprofit public policy research group in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.
The study analyzed insurance coverage for ``nonstandard'' employees, such as part-time, temporary or contract workers. About 34.3 million Americans, or 25 percent of the nation's workforce, fall into that category, according to the study.
The research ``demonstrates the weakness in our health insurance system'' for a ``vulnerable group of workers,'' said Sara Collins, a senior program officer with the Commonwealth Fund, a New York nonprofit group that financed the research.
The study, based on 2001 census data and telephone surveys by the researchers in 2003 and 2004, found 21 percent of nonstandard employees had health insurance through their jobs, compared with 74 percent of full-time workers.
About 15 percent of the children and 16 percent of the wives of nonstandard employees received health insurance through the worker's employer, the study found.
Rising Costs
``It's a problem if you're a part-time employee who can't get full-time coverage because your paycheck won't cover it,'' said Kate Sullivan Hare, executive director of health care policy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington.
``We need to have a private health-care insurance market that can cover these people,'' Sullivan Hare said in an interview.
Because of rising costs, it's becoming ``less and less likely'' that employers will subsidize all workers' health insurance, she said. A study released in October by benefits consulting firm Hewitt Associates predicted U.S. companies will pay an average 9.9 percent more for workers' health insurance next year.
Some companies employ part-time workers to avoid paying for health insurance, Kathleen Stoll, director of health policy for Families USA, a Washington-based group that lobbies for ``affordable'' health care, said in an interview.
The study also found nonstandard workers use government insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, at five times the rate of regular workers. Nonstandard workers rely on the government because they have ``less options,'' the Commonwealth Fund's Collins said.
`Growing Trend'
Less employer-based coverage ``has been a growing trend'' since the 1970s, said Peter Fisher, research director for the Iowa Policy Project and one of the study's authors. Employment- based health insurance today covers 60 percent of the U.S. population, down from 70 percent in the mid-1970s, according to research cited by the study.
Fisher and the two other authors of the study, Elaine Ditsler and Colin Gordon, encourage labor law changes that would give nonstandard workers the same status as full-time employees. Still, policy makers must be ``wary of mandating coverage for very low-wage workers'' when employees can't bear the cost, the study says.
Fisher said he doesn't anticipate increased employer-based coverage in the near future. ``I don't see policies coming out of the national level to deal with health-care costs,'' he said in an interview.
The Iowa Policy Project's telephone survey of nonstandard workers consisted of 20-minute telephone interviews among a random sample of workers over 18 years old.
The survey has a margin of error of 1.5 percentage points, while the analysis based on Census Bureau data has a margin of error of less than one percent.
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