Federal Reserve Bank of Boston: Health Insurance and Essential Service Workers in New England: Who Lacks Access to Care for COVID-19?

Health Insurance and Essential Service Workers in New England: Who Lacks Access to Care for COVID-19?

Throughout the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, those deemed essential workers have remained on the job to serve their communities. Some have insurance coverage, some do not, but all face increased risk of contracting the virus and potentially spreading it to others. This new issue brief discusses the stark differences in health insurance coverage across the essential workforce in our region, including along racial and ethnic lines, and points to the importance of comprehensive coverage for all essential workers and their families.