In 2008, 46 million people under the age of 65, including 8 million children, did not have health insurance. Most of the uninsured are adults in poor or low-income families, and over two-thirds of uninsured children are eligible for public coverage but are not enrolled. Despite their low incomes, public coverage may not be an option for many adults, especially for childless adults and some parents (Tables 3 & 4).
Poor Uninsured
- Nationally, over 38 percent of the uninsured have family incomes below the poverty level ($21,834 for a family of four in 2008).
- States in the South and some states in the Midwest have the greatest share of uninsured below the poverty level, reaching a high of 50% in Mississippi. States in the Northeast and Near-West have lower shares of uninsured below the poverty level, with a low of 25% in Maine and Vermont.
The current health reform proposals being considered in Congress would expand coverage by building on Medicaid, typically by expanding Medicaid to 133% FPL. The proposals would also provide subsidies to low- and moderate-income people (those with incomes between 134-400% FPL) to help them purchase coverage through new health insurance exchanges.
- Nationally, 49% of the uninsured have family incomes below 133% FPL ($29,039 for a family of four in 2008).
- In nine states, primarily in the South, more than half of the uninsured have incomes below or equal to 133% FPL.
- Nationally, 42% of the uninsured have family incomes between 134-400% FPL.
- States in the West and Northeast are more likely to have greater shares of uninsured with family incomes between 134-400%.
View related interactive table on statehealthfacts.org
