America’s Uninsured Statistics
The Census Bureau last reported in 2007 that over 47 million people lack health insurance. The new statistic is an increase from 2005 Census numbers showing America’s uninsured at 44.8 million. It correlates the U.S population now lacking health insurance at 15.8%, which is the highest level since 1998.
The Census also shows that there are 19.3% of American children in poverty whom lack insurance. Hispanics are the race with the highest rate of no insurance with over 15.3 million uninsured in 2006. Blacks with no insurance increased to 20.5% from 19%, while the rate of whites without insurance statistically remained the same at 10.8%. Asians are the only ones whom statistics show improved with the rate falling to 15.5% from 17.2%.
Low-income households obviously have the highest uninsured rates as many of the low-wage jobs don’t offer insurance. However, 1.3 million more workers (full and part-time) also went uninsured according to the previous 2005 Census records.
Workers are going without or declining coverage for several reasons, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, a non-partisan group in Washington. D.C. Insurance premiums, which are rising faster than wages, are causing workers to struggle with the cost, so they’re declining coverage. Employers are also offering fewer options.
A typical family plan offered by employers is approximately $11,480.00. Consequently, fewer workers are enrolling, even when employers do provide insurance. The most surprising–and scary–statistic that the Census Bureau provided is that the uninsured rate rose fastest among households with annual incomes above $75,000, going from 7.7% in 2005 to 8.5%.
Health insurance deductions come out of your check before taxes, which makes it more valuable per dollar than the same amount in taxable pay. Generally, health insurance companies pay lower prices to doctors and hospitals than you would pay on your own.