evidence: Job market fluctuations and accompanying insurance lapses bring into question the very concept of employer-provided healthcare and offer an additional argument for public insurance taking a larger role in the U.S. Employment changes caused by COVID-19 led to an estimated 9 million workers losing access to employer-sponsored health insurance at some point during the pandemic. Additionally, enrollment in Medicare increased by 4 million during COVID-19. [...] With childcare facilities shut down due to the pandemic or operating at reduced capacity and students engaged in remote learning, many low-wage workers have been unable to return to their pre-pandemic jobs. As parents return to work after COVID-19 shutdowns, it is harder than ever for them to find affordable childcare. Additionally, because many low-wage workers do not have access to paid time off or paid sick leave, they often must take off work without pay to care for a sick child as many schools and childcare facilities will not allow a sick child to remain in the facility. This disproportionately impacts female workers, as mothers are more often responsible for staying home when children are sick or off for school holidays.