The Indicator from Planet Money · Friday, August 7, 2026
A significant portion of American workers, estimated at 23 million adults or one in four, feel 'job locked' and unable to leave their current positions primarily due to the necessity of employer-provided health insurance. This phenomenon restricts individuals from pursuing new career paths, starting businesses, or changing careers due to the fear of losing crucial health coverage.
“Many people would leave their jobs tomorrow if they didn't need the health benefits.”
“Yeah, and I mean, by doing this, workers pass up on doing things like joining a startup, starting a startup, even doing a career change because they just can't afford to lose that sweet, sweet employer provided health insurance.”
“A recent Gallup survey found that around 23 million adults are in this type of job lock. That's about one in four workers.”