Part-Time Employment and Employer Sponsored Insurance (ESI) Coverage

This paper examines the relationship between part-time employment and Employer Sponsored Insurance (ESI) coverage during the recent recession. An increase in the share of workers employed part time reduces ESI coverage because part-time workers have lower coverage rates than full-time workers. At small firms, an increase in the share of individuals working part time impacts offer rates. At large firms, a shift towards part time employment impacts take-up rates. Offer and take-up rates tend to be relatively stable for full-time workers.