Uninsured Rate Holds Steady at 8% in 2023, Census Bureau Reports
The U.S. Census Bureau released its report “Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2023,” revealing that the percentage of people without health insurance coverage remained at 8% in 2023, slightly higher than 7.9% in 2022. The report provides detailed insights into health insurance coverage rates and types between 2022 and 2023 for various age groups and income levels.
Key Findings:
- Working-Age Adults in Poverty (Ages 19-64):
- About a quarter of adults in this group living below the poverty line were uninsured each year between 2020 and 2023.
- Approximately half had public insurance coverage, such as Medicaid.
- Children Under Age 19 in Poverty:
- The uninsured rate for children in poverty ranged from 8.3% to 10.3% between 2020 and 2023.
- Over three-quarters were covered by public insurance programs like Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
- Insurance Coverage by Income Levels:
- Below 100% of Poverty Level:
- Most children and working-age adults had public insurance.
- Uninsured rates remained relatively high, especially among working-age adults.
- 100% to 399% of Poverty Level:
- More than half of both children and working-age adults had private insurance.
- The percentage of children with public insurance increased from 42.3% in 2020 to 45% in 2023.
- The uninsured rate for working-age adults decreased from 17.3% in 2020 to 15.2% in 2022 but rose to 16.1% in 2023.
- At or Above 400% of Poverty Level:
- Over 90% of children and working-age adults had private insurance.
- Public insurance coverage for children slightly increased from 5.9% in 2020 to 6.8% in 2023.
- The uninsured rate for working-age adults in this group decreased from 4.5% to 4% between 2020 and 2023.
Age and Access to Health Insurance:
- Children Under Age 19:
- Often covered through a parent’s private insurance plan or public programs like Medicaid and CHIP.
- Working-Age Adults (Ages 19-64):
- Health insurance coverage is often tied to employment.
- Those in poverty or without employer-sponsored insurance may qualify for public programs under specific income or medical circumstances.
- Adults Age 65 and Older:
- Generally have access to Medicare and other senior-focused public health programs.
Implications:
The report underscores persistent disparities in health insurance coverage based on income and age. While public insurance programs play a crucial role in covering low-income individuals, significant portions of working-age adults in poverty remain uninsured. The slight increase in the uninsured rate among working-age adults between 2022 and 2023 indicates ongoing challenges in healthcare accessibility.
For more detailed information, please refer to the full report “Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2023” by the U.S. Census Bureau.