Health Insurance and Economic Indicators Vary Widely Across States and Companies

Strategic Insights -

The chances of obtaining health insurance at work depend on factors such as the state of residence, company size, and union membership. A recent report by the National Center for Health Statistics found that 52% of private sector employers offered group health insurance in 1993, but the availability and terms of coverage varied widely. Meanwhile, the government reported on the sale of Treasury securities, with interest rates on short-term bills decreasing. Additionally, President Clinton's plans to re-nominate Arthur Levitt Jr. as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission have been viewed as reassuring to investors.

Key Takeaways:

  • 52% of private sector employers in the US offered group health insurance in 1993, according to a National Center for Health Statistics report.
  • Insurance rates vary widely by state, company size, industry, and other factors.
  • Even when employers offered health insurance, it was often only available to full-time workers, with 82% of full-timers but only 18% of part-timers qualifying for coverage.
  • The Treasury Department sold $6.28 billion in three-month Treasury bills at an average discount rate of 4.970%, down from 5.120% last week.
  • An additional $7.26 billion was sold in six-month bills at an average rate of 5.010%, down from 5.125%.
  • The average yield for one-year Treasury bills increased to 5.43% from 5.42%.
  • Qwest Communications International's purchase of LCI International for $4.4 billion creates the nation's fourth-largest long-distance company.
  • Gateway 2000 is offering unlimited access to the Internet for $16.95 a month to customers who purchase new Gateway systems.
  • Bone Care International has submitted a drug application to the FDA for an oral formulation of its lead product candidate for the treatment of symptoms associated with end-stage renal disease.

Statistics:

  • 52% of private sector employers offered group health insurance in 1993 (National Center for Health Statistics).
  • 82% of full-time workers were eligible for insurance, while only 18% of part-timers qualified (National Center for Health Statistics).
  • $6.28 billion in three-month Treasury bills were sold at an average discount rate of 4.970% (Treasury Department).
  • $7.26 billion in six-month bills were sold at an average rate of 5.010% (Treasury Department).
  • The average yield for one-year Treasury bills increased to 5.43% from 5.42% (Treasury Department).

Sources:

  • National Center for Health Statistics.
  • Treasury Department.
  • Qwest Communications International press release.
  • Gateway 2000 press release.
  • Bone Care International press release.