Staying in a Job for the Health Insurance? About 1 in 4 Americans Do, a Survey Says
The share has risen from 16% in 2021 as health costs and expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies keep workers tied to unwanted jobs.
- On Tuesday, the West Health-Gallup Center reported that approximately 23 million U.S. workers—nearly 1 in 4—remain in unwanted jobs to keep their health insurance, a figure that has risen significantly from 16% in 2021.
- Rising healthcare costs and medical debt drive the trend, with workers holding personal medical debt nearly twice as likely to stay in unwanted jobs; those with chronic conditions report even higher rates of job lock.
- "Anybody having to stay in a job just to keep their health insurance, knowing that they want to leave, is crazy," said Ellyn Maese, a research director for the partnership. Tim Lash of the West Health Policy Center added that high costs force millions to sacrifice career opportunities.
- Economists warn job lock hampers entrepreneurship and business formation. The problem intensified after Congress allowed enhanced ACA subsidies to expire in 2025, reducing financial assistance for middle-income workers seeking alternative coverage.
- Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies at the Cato Institute, argues that employer-sponsored insurance "creates coverage gaps, reduces income mobility, and is crying out for reform." He advocates for market-based reforms letting consumers control their own health insurance dollars.
23 Articles
23 Articles
24% of your employer's insured workers are still in a position that you no longer want just for medical coverage. What the West Health-Gallup study says and how it affects you.
24% of Workers Stay in Jobs for Health Care, Survey Shows
A growing slice of Americans say their job isn't working for them—but their health insurance is. A new West Health-Gallup survey estimates 23 million adults are in "job lock"—staying in roles they'd rather leave solely to keep employer health coverage. That's 24%, up from 16% in 2021. Among...
U.S. workers are staying in unwanted jobs for health insurance
Almost a quarter of workers in the U.S. — 23 million adults — are experiencing "job lock," staying in roles they don't want to avoid losing health insurance benefits, according to a new Gallup analysis.Why it matters: Women and people who have chronic health conditions feel the burden most because health care costs limit their career mobility, wage growth and life satisfaction. By the numbers: Almost half (48%) of respondents who described healt…
Many Workers Stay in Unwanted Jobs for Health Insurance
Axios: “Almost a quarter of workers in the U.S. — 23 million adults — are experiencing ‘job lock,’ staying in roles they don’t want to avoid losing health insurance benefits, according to a new Gallup analysis.” “Why it matters: Women and people who have chronic health conditions feel the burden most because health care costs […]
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- 61% of the sources are Center
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