The individual insurance market provides coverage to more than 14 million people who purchase health insurance on their own. Because individual health insurance is not subsidized by employers or through the tax code, each consumer is forced to pay the entire cost of the premium. The nature of the individual market differs greatly from the group markets because of many variables that make it a challenge to predict costs. In fact, many people who do not have employer-sponsored coverage only purchase individual market coverage when they anticipate needing medical services.
Coverage in the individual market is more affordable and available than often portrayed. According to an AHIP survey of health plans, nearly nine out of ten people who apply for individual coverage are offered a policy. Consumers are offered a wide range of benefits in the individual market, including mental or behavioral health, prescription drugs, preventive, and maternity benefits.
The recently enacted Affordable Care Act includes significant changes to the individual insurance market. Please click here to learn more.
Latest Documents
This fact check from the AHIP Coverage blog compiles research on the critical role of the individual insurance market, which serves more than 14 million people. The blog post also highlights what thought leaders, think tanks and the media are saying about the importance of a personal coverage requirement.
AHIP Coverage
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10/12/10
Washington, D.C.
Press Releases
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Strategic Communications
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02/22/10
The latest in a series of AHIP surveys shows that the market for individually purchased coverage is more affordable and accessible than may be widely known.
Research
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Center for Policy and Research
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10/21/09