Uninsured

This issue brief describes how coverage has changed in recent years, examines the characteristics of the uninsured population, and summarizes the access and financial implications of not having coverage.

Nearly 28 million people in the U.S. lack health insurance. They will likely face unique barriers accessing COVID-19 testing and treatment. And those who contract COVID-19 and need medical care will likely receive large medical bills, even if they have low incomes and are unable to pay.

Nationally, 2.3 million poor uninsured adults are in the “coverage gap” that results from state decisions not to expand Medicaid. Most live in a handful of states.

Data on demographics; health coverage, access, and utilization; and health status by race and ethnicity provides insight into the status of health disparities and changes since implementation of the ACA.

The uninsured rate declined to a historic low by 2016 under the ACA, but the number of uninsured people has been rising again recently. 

In 2016, health centers served 25.9 million patients, nearly a quarter (23%) of whom were uninsured.