Individual insurance market falls short for families

During the past three years, nearly three fourths of individuals who tried to buy coverage in the individual insurance market never purchased a plan—because they could not find a plan that meets their needs, could not afford coverage, or were turned down because of a pre-existing condition, according to a new study from The Commonwealth Fund.

This parallels developments between 2001 and 2007 when increasing shares of adults with private insurance—either obtained through employer based coverage or an individual market plan—spent a larger portion of their incomes on premiums and out of pocket medical costs, were underinsured, and/or avoided needed healthcare because of costs. Those with coverage obtained from the individual market were the most affected, the report said.

Read the full story by HealthLeaders Media’s Janice Simmons.