job lock
Coverage of job lock in the Nexus archive.
- U.S. workers are staying in unwanted jobs for health insurance
23 million U.S. workers are experiencing job lock, staying in unwanted jobs to avoid losing health insurance, according to a Gallup analysis. Women and those with chronic health conditions are most affected, with factors like medical debt and financial burden contributing to job retention. The Trump administration's decision to not extend Affordable Care subsidies led 5 million Americans to drop insurance in 2026.
- STAT+: More workers hate their jobs, but keep them for the health insurance
More U.S. workers are staying in jobs they dislike due to concerns about losing health insurance, a phenomenon called 'job lock.' A 2023 Gallup-West Health survey found 24% of workers want to leave their jobs but remain to retain health benefits, up from 16% in 2021. Job lock restricts career changes, entrepreneurship, and mobility, particularly for those with health issues.
- Staying in a job for the health insurance? About 1 in 4 Americans do, a survey says
Approximately 24% of U.S. employees remain in unwanted jobs primarily for health insurance, according to a recent report. This figure has risen notably since 2021, signaling economic concerns due to increased 'job lock'.
- Staying in a job for the health insurance? About 1 in 4 Americans do, a survey says
About 24% of U.S. employees stay in unwanted jobs primarily for health insurance, according to a recent report. This marks a significant increase since 2021 and is viewed as a concerning trend for the U.S. economy.