New Evidence on the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Insurance Coverage

We know that the pandemic caused millions of people to lose their jobs, and potentially their job-based insurance, and yet new survey data showed surprisingly small changes in uninsurance rates at the end of 2020. Kate Bundorf, PhD, from the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University and Jessica Banthin, PhD, of the Urban Institute talk to JAMA Health Forum Deputy Editor Melinda Buntin about these trends and the role played by Medicaid and exchange coverage. JAMA Health Forum Editor John Ayanian and Melinda Buntin also discuss other recent work about health insurance coverage and the ACA that has appeared in JAMA Health Forum. Related Content: Trends in US Health Insurance Coverage During the COVID-19 Pandemic Fewer People May Have Become Uninsured in 2020 Than Feared Outcomes After Changes to US Health Insurance Marketplace Automatic Renewal Rules Income Eligibility for Medicaid vs Marketplace Coverage for Insurance Enrollment Among Low-Income Adults Making the Affordable Care Act Marketplace More Affordable