Health & Retirement

An affordable, innovative and efficient health care system is an essential factor in ensuring a better quality of life for all Americans and a more productive and competitive U.S. workforce. Likewise, stable and predictable policies that promote retirement security and economic growth help ensure a reasonable standard of living for most Americans in retirement and make the United States a more attractive location for skilled workers and businesses. Business Roundtable supports policies that will improve the affordability and quality of U.S. health care and strengthen retirement security.

Employer-Sponsored Coverage: A Key Pillar of the U.S. Health Care System

America’s employer-sponsored health benefits system is the foundation of health care in the United States. Nearly half of Americans–158 million–receive their health care through their employer. Business Roundtable members provide health care coverage to tens of millions of Americans and are deeply invested in the health and well-being of American workers, their families and their communities.

Both employees and employers benefit from the employer-sponsored health care system. American workers depend on employer-sponsored benefits to access health care when they need it. For employers, health care benefits are a critical tool for taking care of their employees and attracting and retaining talent.

  • 90% of adults who receive health insurance through their or their spouse’s employer are satisfied with their plan.    
  • 76% of adults say employer-sponsored health insurance has a positive impact on employees.
  • 71% of employees say that health insurance is very or extremely important in deciding whether to stay in or change jobs – far more than any other workplace benefit.

Employers are engines of innovation in health care. Employers model new ways to deliver quality, affordable health care in the most cost-efficient way, including through on-site clinics, utilization of digital health technologies and offering wellness, preventive care, mental and behavioral health and chronic disease management programs. As an important source of health coverage, employers also help address racial disparities in health conditions through the design and structure of their benefits and other employee services, including encouraging relationships with primary care providers and partnerships with community services to connect people of color to a reliable source of care. Many employers work to improve health care access, delivery and quality in the communities they serve.

Employer-sponsored coverage has also provided important services for employees and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, including access to diagnostics, vaccines and treatment services. Many employers also took steps to ensure their employees maintained access to health coverage and services, despite the challenging economic environment.

Business Roundtable CEOs are committed to the success and sustainability of the U.S. health care system, which is why we support policies that will provide greater accountability, enhance efficiency and create value for all health care consumers. 

Employer Innovations

The employer-based health care system is a driving force of health care innovations that empower employees to make better health care choices with information about cost and quality of care and incentivize individuals to take a more active role in their health care. Providing innovative health care benefits to employees improves value and leads to better health outcomes. These innovations also lead to a more satisfied and productive workforce which drives successful organizations and keeps American businesses competitive in the global economy.

SUPPORTING WELLNESS

Employer-sponsored health coverage emphasizes employee wellness and prevention. From physical and emotional well-being to financial wellness, employer programs empower workers with the information and tools to live longer, healthier lives and have better health outcomes. Business Roundtable members understand the importance of having a productive and engaged workforce and are committed to offering benefits and services that help their employees make wise and informed health care choices, take proactive steps to identify health risks early and obtain preventive care to avoid serious, chronic health issues.

Policy In Focus: ERISA

Enacted in 1974, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) regulates employee benefits plans (including both retirement plans and health insurance plans) to protect workers and provide consistent rules for companies. For Business Roundtable members and other employers in the United States, ERISA provides the legal authority that permits them to manage and offer the same health care and retirement plans for employees no matter where the employees live.

Strengthening Retirement Security

Stable and predictable policies that promote retirement security and economic growth help ensure a reasonable standard of living for Americans living in retirement. Business Roundtable members provide health and retirement benefits to tens of millions of Americans and their families. They supports policies that will strengthen retirement security, including tax policies that provide stable incentives for individuals to contribute to defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans. Business Roundtable members recognize that millions of Americans depend on Social Security and Medicare and they want to ensure that these programs are strengthened so that current and future retirees can enjoy peace of mind in their retirement.

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