Individual Health Insurance Not a Viable Option For Many Americans

According to this article in the L.A. Times, the Commonwealth Fund is releasing a study which shows that many working Americans are not able to qualify for individual health insurance policies due to preexisting conditions, and those who are often cannot afford the premiums. An alarming 89% of adults surveyed said that they were unable to purchase individual policies due to their health status or high premium rates.

America's Health Insurance Plans, an insurance industry group, disputes the Commonwealth Fund study's findings, arguing that 16 million Americans were able to purchase individual policies, and have coverage which is more affordable and comprehensive than the Commonwealth Fund study indicates. However, AHIP does admit that individual health insurance "may not be for everyone."