U.S. health insurance: reasons for difficulty switching providers

The “Survey of People Who Purchase Their Own Insurance” based on interviews with a nationally representative sample of 8,499 people ages 18-64, including 4,165 who had previously been identified as purchasing their own insurance, as well as 4,334 who had not previously answered questions about their health insurance status. Of these, 1,038 met the following criteria: Currently covered by health insurance that they purchase directly. Not covered by health insurance through an employer, COBRA, Medicare, Medicaid or any other state government program, or the U.S. military or VA. If covered by any other source of insurance, the insurance they purchase themselves is their main source of coverage, not supplemental to another source. Did not purchase their insurance from a state, local, or other government agency. If purchase insurance from a college or university, the insurance covers health services received both within and outside the university setting. If a small business owner, the health insurance they purchase is only for themselves and/or their family, and does not cover non-related employees of their business.