How uninsured rates compare in expansion, non-expansion states

The number of uninsured Americans has decreased nationwide but a disparity still exists between states that have chosen to expand Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and states that have not, according to a recent survey from the Commonwealth Fund.

The 2014 Commonwealth Fund Biennial Health Insurance Survey found more than one-third (35 percent) of adults with incomes under the poverty level remain uninsured in states that did not expanded Medicaid in 2014 compared with one-fifth (19 percent) in states that did expand eligibility.

Additional findings from the study are highlighted below.

  • Uninsured rates fell most in states that expanded their Medicaid programs (down 11 percent since 2012), including states that run their own marketplaces and those with federally operated marketplaces.
  • Of the 29 million adults estimated to still be uninsured at the end of 2014, 61 percent were residing in non-expansion states.
  • Nearly half (49 percent) of the remaining uninsured have incomes that would make them eligible for Medicaid if the program was expanded.
  • Forty-two percent of the 29 million who were estimated to still be uninsured at the end of 2014 are between the ages of 19 and 34.

 

 

More articles on health insurance:
Colorado's health plan price differences and the PPACA
UnitedHealth loses bid to sell coverage across California
Fewer Americans report cost-related care access problems

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.

 

Featured Whitepapers

Featured Webinars