A Comparative Analysis of Small and Large Group Health Care Utilization and Costs, 1988-1990

Do employees of small firms and individual health insurance plan subscribers use more health care services than employees of large firms? This research study compared utilization and costs for enrollees in Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania (BCWP) and Pennsylvania Blue Shield (PBS) risk pools of small firms and individuals with those for enrollees of large firms that have similar BCWP and PBS benefit packages. The objectives were to provide empirical information to assist private insurers in developing products for small firms and individuals that are comparable in benefit design and price to those for larger firms, and to assist public policymakers in evaluating the impacts of private health insurance market reform options.