Checking Up on Harry and Louise - The Health Care Coverage Experiences of the Middle Class

SUMMARY

This report analyzes recently-released Census data on the health care coverage experience of working-age citizens aged 22-64, from 2003-2007. Based on data showing the prevalence of gaps in coverage even among the wealthiest and most-educated Americans, the report argues for stability as a principal policy objective of health care reform.

In 1994, health care reform was defeated by a middle-class, middle-age couple named Harry and Louise who asked one pivotal question: “What’s in it for us?” Fifteen years later, as Congress revisits health care reform, the question holds true today. This report proposes a potential answer to the question posed by Harry and Louise: stability.

This report looks at the health care coverage experience of working-age citizens over a four-year period, from 2003-2007, using data from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Income and Program Participation. Among other conclusions, it finds that only 64% of Americans experienced the “gold standard” of continuous, private-sector coverage for four years. The remainder either had gaps in coverage, relied on government programs for all or part of their coverage or had no coverage at all.

This report also looks at how existing elements of the progressive health reform proposal can help enhance coverage stability for all Americans.

To read this Report, open the attached PDF