Thune’s Take: Why Health Care is More Complicated Than Just a Job – What You Need to Know

In a recent interview, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) mentioned that “A lot of times, health care comes with a job.” This statement highlights a key issue: millions may lose Medicaid and ACA coverage under the proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is currently making its way through the Senate.

Thune’s focus on employer-sponsored health insurance reflects a larger GOP goal of boosting job quality alongside health benefits. Ryan Wrasse, Thune’s communications director, further emphasized that finding a job can sometimes mean securing health care.

Experts, however, caution against oversimplification. Paul Fronstin from the Employee Benefit Research Institute noted that while getting a job increases chances of obtaining health insurance, it’s not a guarantee. Only about 60% of Americans under 65 have coverage through their jobs or as dependents. Many still remain uninsured due to high costs. In fact, 28% of eligible workers cited affordability as a reason for not enrolling in workplace plans, according to 2023 KFF data.

Historically, employer-sponsored insurance became common during World War II as companies sought to attract talent. Laws like the Affordable Care Act have further pushed businesses to offer insurance. Currently, 54% of companies provide health insurance to some employees, but the landscape is uneven, with small businesses often unable to offer such benefits.

Who are the uninsured? Notably, it’s not just those without jobs. Approximately 25% of working adults ages 18 to 64 lack employer-sponsored insurance, often due to jobs at smaller companies or part-time positions that don’t include benefits. Many low-income workers also face barriers. In 2020, lower-income families spent over 10% of their income on health premiums, significantly more than higher-income families.

This brings us to an important point: having health insurance doesn’t always equate to access to needed care. Many people avoid seeking medical services because of high costs or network restrictions. Insurers vary greatly in the quality of their plans. As Fronstin noted, “Health benefits come in all shapes and sizes.”

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act may further complicate this landscape, potentially limiting access to marketplace plans and increasing paperwork for Medicaid. Melissa Thomasson from Miami University pointed out that the rhetoric surrounding job creation and health insurance doesn’t always match reality, particularly for small businesses.

In summary, while many Americans do receive health insurance through their jobs, the connection is not as straightforward as it seems. Cost, job quality, and the nature of employment are key factors. Thune’s statement is partly true but overlooks the complexities of the U.S. health insurance system.

For further insights on employer-sponsored health insurance, you can explore the KFF’s resource on the subject.

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