Inquiry: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing (Aug 2008)
Does High-Risk Pool Coverage Meet the Needs of People at Risk for Disability?
Abstract
State high-risk insurance pools serve people denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions. With benefit plans modeled on the individual market, these pools generally require higher out-of-pocket expenditures and provide fewer benefits than employer-sponsored plans, while their beneficiaries have very intensive needs. We profile 416 working adults enrolled in a state high-risk pool and document their health conditions and health care utilization. High-risk pool and federal employee benefits are compared to assess insurance structure and implications for health and disability outcomes.