CHIA RELEASES 2021 MASSACHUSETTS EMPLOYER SURVEY RESULTS

DATE: June 9, 2022

The Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) today released summary results from a statewide health benefits survey of Massachusetts employers. The 2021 Massachusetts Employer Survey (MES) is a biennial survey that asks a representative sample of Massachusetts employers to share their experiences and challenges in offering health insurance and related benefits to their employees. The MES provides valuable insight on the employer health insurance market, including information on employer health insurance offerings, employee take-up rates, cost-sharing, plan characteristics, and employer decision making.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MES included new questions to quantify the impacts of the pandemic on employers and employees across the Commonwealth. These summary results provide key insights on how the pandemic affected workplace health benefits during a period of challenge and recovery for many businesses.

KEY FINDINGS

• Most Massachusetts firms (74%) offered health insurance to their employees in 2021, and at a higher rate than firms nationally (59%).  

• Nearly half of employees (46%) were enrolled in a high deductible health plan (HDHP), and over one-third (35%) were enrolled in a HDHP with a savings option.

• Average total monthly premium for single coverage was $715 in Massachusetts, higher than the national average of $645.

• Since January 2020, firms have expanded access to telehealth, waived or reduced cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatment, and expanded access to behavioral health services (49%, 18% and 7%).

The MES was fielded from May 2021 through January 2022. This report is also accompanied by a databook, a survey methods report, and the survey questionnaire.

For more information about the MES and links to previous publications, please see https://www.chiamass.gov/massachusetts-employer-survey/