A new survey from the Gallup Organization, a consultation and polling company, shows that employer sponsored health insurance is on the decline. The survey began on January 1 of 2011 and came to its conclusion on December 31 of the same year. Declines in insurance coverage are a persistent trend in the U.S. despite claims from the federal government. The Obama administration insists that the Affordable Care Act has brought coverage levels to an all time high. While this may be true for young adults, this is not the case with the U.S. workforce.
Gallup’s survey shows that health insurance benefits provided by employers have fallen by 2.5% throughout the U.S. During 2011, the number of uninsured Americans grew 17% and only 23% of people making less than $36,000 a year receive insurance coverage through their employers. According to Gallup, declines in insurance coverage have been a lingering trend since 2008, when the economic recession began to take its toll on the country.
2012 is an election year and the economy is still a favorite subject amongst politicians looking to win the favor of the general public. Health insurance is a major concern for many people, however, and the issue is likely to get more attention as election season begins to gain momentum. Without access to health insurance, voters may through their support behind a candidate that can deliver results and bring them the coverage they really need.
