A recently released survey reveals public sentiment about employer-provided health insurance ahead of the presidential election.
The survey by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans showed that 96 percent of employers support more healthcare provider price transparency and that 85 percent support health plans that allow small businesses to join together to provide benefits to their employees, Benefit News reported.
In addition, 87 percent of employers were in support of tax-favored status of employer-provided health coverage. The survey also cited a shift by employers to offering high-deductible health plans and health savings accounts to their employees, with 52 percent of companies with 1,000 or more employees now providing at least one HDHP.
The survey comes as healthcare registered a strong month for job growth in October, according to recent figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The industry added 30,500 jobs during the month, ahead of the 29,300 added in September and the 14,400 gained in August, Modern Healthcare reported. Over the year, the sector has added 415,000 jobs.
Employment in ambulatory healthcare services grew the most in October, adding 18,500 jobs. Hospitals gained 12,700 positions, while physician practices added 3,500 employees. Overall, the majority of healthcare subsectors increased their employment, except for nursing care facilities, which lost 2,300 jobs, the source noted.
