Insurance coverage in the United States can be complicated and might involve transitions between private and public coverage—and in some cases loss of insurance due to job loss. These changes can impact access to health care and increase the likelihood of financial challenges. Because most Americans access health insurance through an employer-sponsored plan, coverage is tied to labor market fluctuations. But what happens when insurance coverage is interrupted because of employment separation?

To explore the dynamics between health insurance and employment in the United States, the Chicago Fed hosted a virtual event from 11:00 am -12:00 pm CT on May 9, 2024. During the event, Chicago Fed economists presented research on the impact of insurance transitions on policyholders who become unemployed and the effect of expanded Medicaid access following an involuntary loss of private employer health insurance. The research presentations were followed by a panel featuring experts in the fields of medicine and public health who discussed the policy implications of insurance transitions and Medicaid access for workers and their families.