Last year, those lacking health insurance represented 15.7 percent of the population compared with 16.3 percent in 2010. However, the official poverty rate remained at 15 percent, indicating that although more people received health coverage, poverty continued to be a major issue.
People aged 19 to 25 years represented the largest drop in the uninsured population, falling 2.2 percent year-over-year. One of the major provisions of President Barack Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act allowed young adults to stay on their parents’ health plans until they turn 26.
Other major findings on health insurance coverage from the Census Bureau’s annual report include:
• For the first time in 10 years, the rate of private insurance coverage did not decrease. Roughly 63.9 percent of the population had private health coverage last year, the same as 2010. Employer-based health insurance also stayed consistent year-over-year at 55.1 percent of the population.
• In 2011, roughly 99.5 million people, or 32.2 percent of the population, were covered by government payors. These increased from 2010, when 95.5 million people, or 31.2 percent of population, had public health coverage.
• Asians and blacks saw their uninsured populations fall by 1.7 percent and 1.4 percent, respectively, year-over-year — the highest drops of any race.
More Articles on the Uninsured Population:
Study: 9.3M U.S. Adults Lost Health Coverage During Recession
How Hospitals Can Drastically Cut Down Uncompensated Care
Number of Uninsured Remained Flat From 2009-2010
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
