Employer-Sponsored Insurance

Insurance

Employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) is health coverage provided by employers, typically paying a significant portion of premiums (employer often covers 70-90% of single coverage, 60-80% of family coverage). ESI offers pre-tax premium deductions — saving 30%+ on premiums for higher-income earners. Group rates are typically better than individual market rates. Open enrollment occurs annually (usually fall); life events (marriage, birth, job change) trigger special enrollment. Compare ESI to alternatives: spouse's plan, marketplace plans (with PTCs if low-income), COBRA after job loss. The portability problem of ESI is well-documented — losing your job often means losing health insurance during the worst possible time.