Among employers and other sponsors of employment-based health benefits, 66% of large companies (200+ workers) offered retiree coverage in 1988, compared to only 29% of large companies and 5% of smaller companies in 2009.

Retiree health benefits are important for adults retiring before age 65 and are an important supplement to Medicare benefits after 65.  Among employers and other sponsors of employment-based health benefits, 66% of large companies (200+ workers) offered retiree coverage in 1988, compared to only 29% of large companies and 5% of smaller companies in 2009.[i]