In 2022, Asian American/Pacific Islander workers were more likely than other racial/ethnic minority groups to have employment-based health coverage. In honor of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, this health care Fast Fact offers a glimpse into some employment-based characteristics of this ethnic/minority group.
Figure 2 Percentage of Workers With Employment-Based Health Coverage, by Race/Ethnicity, 2013 –2022 85% 80% May 9, 2024, #501 75% 70% Asian American/Pacific Islander Workers More Likely 65% Than Other Racial/Ethnic Minorities to Have 60% Employment-Based Health Coverage 55% Asian American/Pacific Islander workers were more likely than other racial/ethnic minority groups to have 50% employment-based health coverage in 2022. Three-quarters of Asian American/Pacific Islander workers had health coverage either from t 45he % ir own job or as a dependent, compared with 69.0 percent of Black workers and 53.3 percent of Hispanic workers. Only White workers were more likely to have employment-based coverage 40% than Asian American/Pacific Islander workers. 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 White 76.2% 76.2% 76.1% 76.3% 76.9% 77.8% 78.8% 77.5% 77.8% 78.0% Black 64.7% 66.4% 66.1% 66.6% 66.7% 66.9% 67.6% 65.9% 67.5% 69.0% Hispanic 52.1% 53.4% 55.6% Figure 56.5% 1 57.9% 53.9% 55.5% 53.6% 53.1% 53.3% Asian American/ Percentage of Workers With Employment-Based Health Coverage, 70.9% 72.4% 72.2% 72.8% 74.6% 72.2% 74.5% 73.8% 75.3% 76.3% Pacific Islander by Race/Ethnicity, 2022 Other 66.7% 64.2% 65.6% 64.0% 68.2% 64.6% 69.5% 65.5% 64.5% 67.7% 90% Source: Employee Benefit Research Institute estimates from the Current Population Survey, March 2014 –2023 Supplements. 78.0% 80% 76.3% The higher rate of employment-based coverage among Asian American/Pacific Islander workers compared with 69.0% other racial/ethnic minorities can be explained by several factors. For instance: 70% 67.7% • Asian American/Pacific Islander workers had much higher levels of education than other workers. Nearly 60% one-third (31 percent) of Asian American/Pacific Islander workers had completed a graduate degree, 53.3% compared with 16 percent among White workers, 12 percent among Black workers, and 7 percent among 50% Hispanic workers. 40% • Asian American/Pacific Islander workers were more likely to be employed by large firms, which are more likely than smaller firms to offer health benefits, than most other workers. Just over one-half (52 percent) 30% of Asian American/Pacific Islander workers were employed by firms with 1,000 or more workers, compared with 44 percent among White workers, 55 percent among Black workers, and 37 percent 20% among Hispanic workers. 10% • Asian American/Pacific Islander workers had higher incomes than other workers. Nearly one-third (31 percent) earned at least $100,000, compared with 21 percent among White workers, 12 percent among 0% Black workers, and 8 percent among Hispanic workers. White Black Hispanic Asian American/ Other Pacific Islander • Asian American/Pacific Islander workers were more likely to be married and less likely to be divorced Source: Employee Benefit Research Institute estimates from the Current Population Survey, March 2023 Supplement. than othe r workers. Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) were married, compared with 56 percent among White workers, 36 percent among Black workers, and 47 percent among Hispanic workers. The percentage of workers with employment-based health coverage has been relatively steady over the long term A rega bou rdl t E esB s R ofI: r ac The E e/ethn mip clioy ty.ee B B etene weefn it R 2013 a esearnd 202 ch Inst2 it, t uthe pe e is a pr rcein va tag te, e of nonpa worrke tisa rs w n, and nonp ith employ rof m iten re t- se bas arch ed he insal tit th ute bas cove ed rage in Wa incsh rea ing setd 2 on, D per .C ce .,nt tha fotr f W ocus hite e wor s on h ker eas a lth, nd sa H viings, r spanic wo etirem rke ent rs, and 7 p and econo erce m nt ic s foe r B cur lac ity k w issue orke s. EB rs. IR t I does increased the most — 8 percent — for Asian American/Pacific Islander workers. not lobby and does not take policy positions. The work of EBRI is made possible by funding from its members and sponsors, which include a broad range of public and private organizations. For more information, visit w ww.ebri.org. EBRI on Twitter @EBRI or twitter.com/EBRI LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/employee-benefit-research-institute EBRI on Twitter: @EBRI or twitter.com/EBRI LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/employee-benefit-research-institute © 2024, Employee Benefit Research Institute, 901 D St. SW, Suite 802, Washington, DC 20024, 202/659-0670 | ebri.org 2