Uninsured In North Carolina: Who's At Risk?

North Carolina has one of the largest uninsured populations in the United States. In 2021, over 8% of the state's population was uninsured, with a rate of 17.6% among adults under 65, higher than the national rate of 12.6%. This includes about 1 in 8 women of childbearing age (13.4%) and 1 in 20 children under 19 (5.1%). North Carolina's uninsured rate of 10.7% is the 10th highest in the nation.

North Carolina has one of the largest uninsured populations in the US

The impact of lacking insurance is significant. Uninsured individuals may not receive the necessary services to prevent or treat health problems. This is particularly true for women before, during, and after pregnancy, which can negatively impact their health and the health of their babies. Additionally, people without insurance are more likely to face high out-of-pocket costs and incur medical debt, hindering their ability to prosper economically.

The situation in North Carolina is even more pronounced among specific demographics. In 2021, about one in eight women of childbearing age (13.4%) were uninsured, and approximately one in 20 children under 19 (5.1%) lacked insurance. Furthermore, North Carolina, along with Texas and Georgia, had the highest rates of uninsured working-age adults (ages 18-64) in 2021.

The state's high uninsured rate has implications beyond the health and financial security of its residents. It also affects North Carolina's competitiveness in the economic landscape. Employers consider health outcomes when deciding where to locate and expand their operations, and a high uninsured rate can make the state less attractive for investment and hinder its residents' ability to thrive.

Recognising the significance of this issue, North Carolina expanded its Medicaid program in December 2023, making hundreds of thousands of residents newly eligible for coverage. This expansion is expected to improve access to healthcare and enhance the financial security of individuals and communities.

In 2021, 13.4% of women of childbearing age were uninsured

In 2021, 13.4% of women of childbearing age in North Carolina were uninsured. This means that approximately 1 in 8 women aged 15-44 years did not have health insurance coverage. This is particularly concerning as it can negatively impact the health of these women and their babies before, during, and after pregnancy. Uninsured women may not receive the necessary health services for themselves and their children, which can lead to worse health outcomes.

The lack of insurance can also have financial implications for these women and their families. Without insurance, individuals may face high out-of-pocket costs for medical care and are more likely to incur medical debt. This can affect their economic security and well-being. Additionally, having a larger proportion of uninsured residents can impact the competitiveness of the state. When employers consider health outcomes in their location and expansion decisions, a high uninsured rate, such as North Carolina's 10.7% rate, can make the state less attractive.

The rate of uninsured women of childbearing age in North Carolina is higher than the overall rate of uninsured individuals in the state, which was over 8% in 2021. This disparity highlights the vulnerability of this specific demographic group. It is important to note that government services like Medicaid provide some uninsured women and children with access to critical health services. However, the availability and accessibility of these services can vary across the state.

Addressing the issue of uninsured women of childbearing age in North Carolina is crucial to improving health outcomes and reducing financial burdens for this vulnerable population. It is essential to consider policies and programs that can increase access to health insurance and healthcare services for these women, such as expanding Medicaid coverage or offering alternative insurance options. By doing so, North Carolina can improve the overall well-being and prosperity of its residents.

In 2021, 5.1% of children under 19 were uninsured

In 2021, 5.1% of children under 19 were without health insurance in North Carolina. This figure represents approximately 1 in 20 children in the state. North Carolina has one of the largest uninsured populations in the country, with an overall uninsured rate of 10.7%, the tenth-highest in the nation. This figure rose to 17.6% when considering only adults under the age of 65, which was higher than the national rate of 12.6%.

The lack of health insurance coverage can have significant negative consequences for individuals and communities. Uninsured individuals may face barriers in accessing regular healthcare services and may be more likely to incur high out-of-pocket costs and medical debt. This can impact their overall health and economic security. For example, uninsured women in North Carolina may struggle to access the healthcare they need before, during, and after pregnancy, potentially affecting their health and the health of their babies.

Expanding access to health insurance, such as through Medicaid, can help address these issues. In North Carolina, Medicaid expansion took effect on December 1, 2023, making hundreds of thousands of residents newly eligible for coverage. This expansion is expected to improve health outcomes and financial security for individuals and communities in the state.

In 2021, 17.6% of adults under 65 were uninsured

North Carolina has one of the largest uninsured populations in the country. In 2021, the state had an uninsured rate of 10.7%, the tenth-highest in the nation. This figure represents a significant number of people lacking regular healthcare access and financial security. The high uninsured rate in North Carolina can also negatively impact the state's economic competitiveness, as employers consider health outcomes in their location and expansion decisions.

The situation is even more concerning for specific demographics. In 2021, about 13.4% of women of childbearing age (15-44) were uninsured in North Carolina, which is about 1 in 8 women. This lack of insurance can have severe consequences for their health and the health of their babies, as uninsured women often face barriers in accessing adequate healthcare before, during, and after pregnancy. Additionally, in 2021, about 5.1% of children under 19 years of age were uninsured in the state, translating to about 1 in 20 children.

The issue of uninsured individuals in North Carolina is not limited to a specific age group or gender. According to a report by the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, in 2021, North Carolina had an uninsured rate of 17.6% for adults under 65, which was higher than the national rate of 12.6%. This data highlights the significant number of individuals in the state who are at risk of facing challenges in accessing necessary healthcare services.

To address the issue of uninsured residents, North Carolina has taken steps towards expanding access to health insurance. The state's Medicaid expansion, which took effect on December 1, 2023, made hundreds of thousands of residents newly eligible for Medicaid. This expansion is expected to reduce the number of uninsured individuals in the state and improve their access to healthcare services. Additionally, North Carolina offers its residents various health insurance coverage options through the federally run health insurance exchange, Healthcare.gov.

North Carolina's 10.7% uninsured rate is the 10th highest in the US

North Carolina has one of the largest uninsured populations in the US, with a rate of 10.7%, the tenth-highest in the country. This means that over 8% of the state's population, or far too many people, lack regular healthcare access and the financial security that comprehensive healthcare coverage provides.

The high uninsured rate in North Carolina has a detrimental impact on both individuals and the community. Without health insurance, people are less likely to have a consistent source of healthcare, receive the necessary care, or experience positive health outcomes. This can lead to high out-of-pocket expenses and medical debt, negatively affecting their economic well-being.

Additionally, the lack of insurance coverage can hinder the state's competitiveness in attracting employers. In today's economic landscape, employers consider health outcomes when making location and expansion decisions. North Carolina's high uninsured rate may be seen as a disadvantage, making the state less attractive to businesses.

To address this issue, expanding Medicaid could be a viable solution. Rural hospitals in North Carolina are already struggling with high uninsured rates and uncompensated care costs, leading to five rural hospital closures since 2013. By expanding Medicaid, these hospitals would receive greater benefits as they serve a more significant number of uninsured individuals.

In conclusion, North Carolina's 10.7% uninsured rate is a pressing issue that limits the well-being and prosperity of its residents. Addressing this issue through measures like Medicaid expansion can improve healthcare access, enhance economic security, and make the state more attractive to potential employers.

Frequently asked questions