Claim: Workers in this system are left to pay out of pocket for any plan that costs more than their stipend.
Fact: Most employees also pay out-of-pocket for employer-provided coverage, with this amount steadily increasing. In 2020, covered workers with single coverage had an average contribution of $1,243 annually, and workers with family coverage had an average contribution of $5,588 annually. Similarly, suppose an employee uses an ICHRA or QSEHRA to purchase an individual market plan that costs more than the amount of their employer contribution. In that case, the employee will owe that amount.