Ability to pay for retiree health benefits

D. G. Shea, R. P. Stewart

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper examines retired persons who received employer-provided health benefits in 1987. The sociodemographic, health, and economic characteristics of these elderly persons are compared to the total elderly population. Two methods of estimating retiree insurance purchase are considered and indicate 13% to 20% of retirees would be unable to afford benefits without an employer subsidy. The percentage of persons unable to purchase the employer-provided benefits drops significantly if some subsidy is maintained. The results indicate substantial differences in ability to purchase insurance by sociodemographic characteristics. The future of retiree health benefits in a reformed health care system is discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)206-214
Number of pages9
JournalInquiry
Volume31
Issue number2
StatePublished - 1994

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Health Policy

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