Erosion of employer-sponsored health insurance coverage and quality.

Reduced employer commitment to health benefits for workers reflects economic pressures to cut labor costs and compete in an international market, as well as the impact of international competition on the composition of U.S. jobs.The resulting economic pressures on workers—especially unskilled and lowwage workers—are severe. If employers do not offer health insurance coverage or pay a significant share of the premium, low-wage workers often cannot afford insurance and risk going without coverage.