How Accessible is Individual Health Insurance for Consumers in Less-Than Perfect Health?

This report documents the findings of a study examining access to health insurance coverage in the individual market for people with health problems. Seven hypothetical consumers with varying health conditions were defined and insurers and HMOs in eight different markets around the country were asked to consider them as though they were real consumers applying for coverage.

Renewed debate over proposals to expand coverage for the uninsured using tax credits for the purchase of individual market insurance has prompted some to re-evaluate and comment on the findings of this study. Due to this recent interest, we have prepared an explanation of the purpose and findings of the original study which is posted below.

May 2002 Explanation of Purpose and Findings in Response to Renewed Debate (.pdf)
News Release (.pdf)
Executive Summary (.pdf)
Report (.pdf)
Chart Pack(.pdf)