Uninsured & Underinsured

Results released December 14, 2011, by the National Center for Health Statistics demonstrate that the extension of dependent coverage up to age 26 has increased the number of young adults with health insurance, by even more than prior analyses had suggested.

Under the Affordable Care Act, starting in 2014, Americans cannot be denied coverage, be charged significantly higher premiums, be subjected to an extended waiting period, or have their benefits curtailed by insurance companies because of some type of pre-existing health condition.

New results released September 21, 2011, by the National Center for Health Statistics show that the dependent-coverage provision of the Affordable Care Act has had a significant impact on improving insurance coverage among young adults.

According to the Census Bureau's 2011 Current Population Survey (CPS), there were 49.9 million uninsured individuals in 2010, or 16.3% of the total population. Those that lack insurance are a diverse group. Understanding the uninsured population is important for policy makers looking to design solutions to the problem. [5 PDF pages]

Contents Data Health Insurance Dynamics Obtaining Coverage: Transitions out of the Uninsured State Changing and Losing Coverage: Transitions into the Uninsured State Conclusion Policy Impl

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Changes in Coverage in the Individual and Group Health Insurance Markets and the Effect of Health Status