March 6th, 2026 – For decades, employer-sponsored health insurance has been the cornerstone of the American health care system. While the headlines often focus on rising costs, regulatory changes, and political debates about the future of health care, new research shows something important that often gets overlooked – Most American workers actually value the coverage they receive through their employer.

A recent national survey commissioned by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) confirms what many of us who work closely with employers and employees already see every day — employer-provided health insurance remains one of the most appreciated and important benefits in the workplace.

One of the clearest findings from the survey is that workers are largely happy with their employer-provided plans.  According to the AHIP survey:

• 89% of workers report being satisfied with their employer-provided health coverage.
• 68% rank health insurance as the most important workplace benefit.

That’s a powerful statement in a world where companies compete for talent using a wide range of perks — from remote work to flexible schedules and retirement plans.

This shouldn’t be surprising. When a health issue comes up — whether it’s a routine checkup, a major surgery, or a mental health need — employees quickly realize how valuable comprehensive coverage can be.

Health Insurance Provides Financial Security for Families

The survey also highlights something that many families already understand intuitively: health insurance isn’t just about access to doctors.  It’s about financial protection.

A striking 96% of workers said employer-provided health coverage is important to their household’s financial stability.

Medical costs can be significant, even for relatively routine care. Employer-sponsored coverage helps spread risk across a large pool of employees and families, which keeps coverage more affordable than most people could obtain on their own.

As AHIP President and CEO Mike Tuffin noted:

“Employer-provided coverage is the backbone of our nation’s health care system, delivering high-quality, affordable health care and financial security to more than 180 million Americans.”

That number — more than 180 million Americans — underscores how central employer coverage remains to the U.S. health care system.

Access to Care Continues to Expand

Another encouraging takeaway from the survey is that employer plans are evolving to meet modern health care needs.  Employees reported strong access to services such as:

• Telehealth services (81%)
• Mental health services (79%)

Telehealth has dramatically improved convenience for routine care and follow-up visits, while expanded mental health coverage reflects a growing awareness that health care needs to address the whole person — not just physical health.  For employers looking to build healthier, more productive teams, these services can make a real difference.

Health Coverage Influences Career Decisions

One of the most telling statistics from the survey relates to employee retention.

85% of workers say they would consider leaving their job if their employer stopped offering health insurance.

That’s an important reminder for business owners and leadership teams. Health benefits are not just a line item on a budget — they’re a critical part of attracting and retaining talent. In fact, in many industries, the benefits package can be just as influential as salary when employees evaluate job opportunities.

The Tax Treatment of Employer Coverage Matters

The survey also explored how workers feel about the tax treatment of employer-sponsored insurance.  Currently, employer-provided health benefits are tax-exempt, meaning employees do not pay income tax on the value of the coverage their employer provides.  According to the survey:

• 83% of workers believe employer-sponsored coverage should remain tax-exempt.
• 72% say a candidate’s position on taxing employer-provided coverage would influence their vote.

This reflects how important health coverage has become in the broader economic and policy conversation.  Changes to the tax treatment of employer coverage could have significant implications for both employers and employees.

What This Means for Employers

For employers evaluating their benefits strategy, the message from this survey is clear.  Health insurance remains one of the most valued benefits you can offer your employees. It supports:

• Financial security for families
• Access to critical health services
• Employee satisfaction
• Talent recruitment and retention

For many companies — especially small and mid-sized businesses — providing high-quality health coverage can feel complicated or expensive. But when structured thoughtfully, it can be one of the most impactful investments a business makes in its team.

Health care policy debates will continue, and the system will continue to evolve.  But the data from this survey reinforces that employer-sponsored health insurance remains deeply valued by American workers.

It provides peace of mind, financial protection, and access to care for millions of families — and continues to play a central role in supporting healthy teams and healthy businesses.

At Colorado Health Insurance Brokers, we spend every day helping employers design benefit strategies that support both their employees and their bottom line. If you’re reviewing your company’s health benefits or exploring options for the future, we’re always happy to help.

Sources: 

• America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), Americans Give Employer-Provided Health Coverage High Marks on Satisfaction, Value and Financial Security, March 5, 2026.
• Survey conducted by Health Analytics & Insights Group of more than 5,000 employees enrolled in employer-sponsored insurance plans.