Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I spend my time completing this survey?

This survey provides policymakers and employers with comprehensive insights into employer health insurance offerings, employee participation, and the overall landscape of employer-sponsored insurance in Massachusetts. The data collected helps identify trends in employer-sponsored health insurance, support evidence-based policymaking, and offer employers valuable analyses for strategic planning and benchmarking purposes.

Who conducts the MES?

The Massachusetts Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) conducts the MES in partnership with Market Decisions Research (MDR).

CHIA is an agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts tasked with providing objective and reliable data on the Massachusetts health insurance landscape to state government policymakers and the health care community more broadly. CHIA’s data collection and analytical activities promote a more transparent health care system that effectively serves all residents of the Commonwealth.

MDR is an independent research firm based in Portland, Maine with a history of conducting comprehensive studies on health insurance and employer practices. MDR employs a team of professional researchers dedicated to respecting your time and privacy while delivering insightful and actionable data.

How will CHIA use the survey results?

CHIA uses the survey results to analyze employer health insurance offerings, employee enrollment rates, and the impacts of these factors on the broader health insurance market in Massachusetts. The MES findings will be made publicly available on CHIA’s website. Data will be de-identified and aggregated before any public dissemination, ensuring the anonymity of participating organizations and their employees. Insights from the MES will inform policymakers and employers and help shape the health insurance landscape in the Commonwealth.

Who will researchers contact to complete the survey?

On behalf of CHIA, MDR reaches out to HR professionals and administrators at organizations across Massachusetts to collect data on employer-sponsored health insurance. Individual employees will not be asked to complete the survey. Our goal is to include a wide range of firms for a comprehensive overview of health insurance practices in the state.

Where did you get my contact information?

CHIA and MDR researchers work with industry partners to identify employers in Massachusetts for the MES. We contact HR professionals and administrators directly. All contact details have been legally obtained.

I received a link to the survey, but can my colleague complete the survey instead?

Certainly. The survey is directed at HR professionals, senior leadership, and administrators. If another colleague is more suitable for completing the survey, they should contact MDR’s lead researcher, Brian Robertson, PhD., at MAEmployerSurvey@marketdecisions.com.

What kinds of questions will you ask about my firm?

The survey asks about health insurance offerings, employee enrollment rates, premiums and cost-sharing, plan characteristics, and employer decision-making around the provision of health-related benefits. All responses are confidential, and no public data will identify specific organizations or employees.

How will CHIA and MDR handle information about my organization and employees?

The survey is confidential. Your organization’s and employees’ information will remain private. Data will be de-identified and aggregated before any public dissemination, ensuring anonymity.

Where can I find more information or get help if I have a question about how to answer something on the survey?

For detailed explanations and guidance on survey questions, consult the instruction booklet. If you require further assistance, please reach out to Brian Robertson, PhD, at MAEmployerSurvey@marketdecisions.com.