Uninsured Rate

A person is considered to be insured when he or she is covered under any public or private health insurance or health coverage plan. The plan must provide “comprehensive health coverage,” meaning that it includes the ten essential health benefits covered by the Affordable Care Act, including prescription drugs, emergency services, and mental health services. Dental, vision, life and disability insurance are not considered a part of comprehensive health coverage. 

Although the number of people without health insurance has been steadily decreasing since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, over 20 million people in the United States are still without health insurance. According to a 2012 study by Families USA, people without health insurance pay more for their medical care than the insured, and 60% of uninsured adults are in medical debt.  They are also five times less likely to have a usual source of medical care outside of the emergency room than insured people. Additionally, the uninsured are more likely to go without screenings or preventative care and are 25% more likely to die prematurely than adults with health insurance. 

Highlighting differences in health coverage by sex is important, as females and males have different health needs that may impact their respective ability to obtain health coverage. With the Affordable Care Act, women are less likely than men to be uninsured and be covered by Medicaid due to lower incomes among women (Women’s Health Insurance Coverage, 2024). However, women disproportionately pay more out-of-pocket than men due to pregnancy-related expenses and other maternity-related services not covered by health insurance (World Economic Forum, 2023). Understanding these factors can better inform decision-makers and policy actors to address disparities that exacerbate gender inequity in the healthcare field and provide necessary solutions.  

Lack of insurance can also have spillover effects in their communities.  According to the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine, hospitals in communities with large numbers of uninsured people often have less inpatient care capacity and offer fewer services in trauma and burn care.  There is also a higher risk of the spread of communicable diseases in communities where many people cannot afford to see a doctor for preventative care.

Written by Justin Culetu