A Fund survey of New York State employers in 2001 found that health insurance was out of reach for many workers in low-wage and small firms. Moreover, surveyed employers predicted that they would cut back on benefits or shift more costs to workers. Slow economic growth, high unemployment, large premium increases, and the displacement in New York that resulted from September 11 suggest that employer-sponsored coverage is eroding and more New Yorkers are becoming uninsured. A follow-up survey of 600 firms statewide would profile and track trends in employer health benefits and assess the impact of recent initiatives to stabilize or expand this source of coverage. It would also make it possible to compare employer health benefit policies in New York with those in effect throughout the nation, helping to maintain the Fund''s role as a unique source of information on the state of private health insurance. http://www.hret.org