STAT+ warns that employer-sponsored health insurance is deteriorating, leaving workers and businesses exposed

Bob Herman's latest STAT+ newsletter introduces a new series called Out of Pocket, Out of Reach, which will examine how the employer-based health-insurance system is falling apart.

The article notes that most U.S. workers receive health coverage through their jobs, but rising costs and stagnant wages are eroding the value of that benefit. It suggests that earnings have quietly suffered over time as insurance premiums increase.

Herman calls the situation a crisis, saying it is arguably never been worse and is unlikely to improve without major changes. He invites readers to share personal experiences about how job-based coverage affects them.

For pharmaceutical companies and investors, the weakening of employer coverage could influence drug pricing negotiations and market access, making the trend an important factor to watch.