Whats the average cost of individual plans and what do they offer the consumer?
Premiums and deductibles tend to be higher in the individual market than in employer-provided plans, and the coverage is usually less comprehensive. The enrollee picks up the entire tab, rather than sharing the cost with an employer. The Commonwealth Fund survey found that 64 percent of those with individual coverage spent $3,000 or more on annual premium costs. Almost half spent at least $6,000 per year and nearly 20 percent spent at least $8,000 annually. How will the reform proposals affect individual insurance? The Democratic overhaul proposals would have a big impact on the individual market. They would require most people to have coverage, which is likely to funnel millions of people into the individual market. In addition, some lower-income people who now have individual policies might become eligible for an expanded Medicaid program, the state-federal health program for the poor and disabled. Several of the proposals also require that employers provide coverage, which could mea
