For the Commercially Insured, Equitable Health Benefits Begin With Equitable Health Insurance Design

Abstract

Equitable health benefit design is central to addressing the health inequities of individuals with commercial health insurance in the United States. To do so, employers and other plan sponsors must take action to identify and address unmet health and well-being priorities among racialized groups and low-income workers. These historically underrepresented subpopulations will also benefit from more equitable approaches to healthcare benefits design that recognize and meaningfully address access and affordability concerns. Targeted appropriately, these actions have the potential to foster greater employee engagement and productivity, leading to enhanced business performance.