2005 Northwest Health Gap Study

Abstract

Between high wage earners who have comprehensive employer-based health benefits, and the low income people who are covered through public health programs, lies a rapidly growing population with no coverage or inadequate coverage. These people are in the health gap. Increasing numbers of people are falling into this gap in health coverage, where they are underinsured or uninsured. Employer-based health coverage is declining. Cost sharing is rising for those with employer-based coverage and those who purchase health care on the individual market. More people are covered by minimal plans with high deductibles.