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The uninsured do not work.

Insurance is available and affordable and they choose not to purchase it.

Public programs are available for individuals without employer offered health insurance.

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Lack of health insurance coverage among millions of Americans remains one of this nation's most pressing social challenges, but one that is often not well understood. Common knowledge about who the uninsured are, why they are uninsured, the difference health coverage makes, as well as the impact on all our lives of having a large uninsured population - is riddled with misconceptions and myths. Basic facts about the uninsured, outlined here under the most common myths, are essential to understanding how we might address the growing numbers of Americans without health insurance.

Fact Sheet (.pdf)

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Lack of health insurance coverage among millions of Americans remains one of this nation's most pressing social challenges, but one that is often not well understood. Common knowledge about who the uninsured are, why they are uninsured, the difference health coverage makes, as well as the impact on all our lives of having a large uninsured population - is riddled with misconceptions and myths.

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In 2013, due to Medicaid and CHIP

5.4 million children (under 18) were uninsured

36 million adults

Even though many young adults (19-25) gained insurance under ACA

22% of this age group represent the uninsured population

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1. Residents of South and West are more likely to be uninsured.

2. Factors influencing the uninsured rates:

Racial/ethnic composition

Other population characteristics

Public Program eligibility

Employment rates and sectors

3. States in South and Mid west are opting not to expand Medicaid under ACA.

4. Uninsured in rural areas tend to be older, poorer, and less healthy and rely more heavily on public programs.

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More than 45 million Americans lack health insurance. This video explains who they are, what issues they face, how their care is paid for, and the possible future of health care coverage for them.

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1. In 2013, 27% earned an income below the federal poverty level

(FPL - 19, 530 for a family of three).

2. In 2013, 85% were below 400% FPL.

3. The uninsured rate among the poor is twice as high as the national average.

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College educated earn a higher income and can obtain jobs that provide affordable employment-based insurance compared to less - educated individuals.

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Race, Ethnicity, and Immigrant Status of the Uninsured

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Race, Ethnicity, and Immigrant Status of the Uninsured

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Half of the people who are uninsured are white

10% non-Hispanic whites

24% are Hispanic

16% are African Americans

14% are Asian Americans

Reasons why:

Public insurance coverage is less stable.

Non-citizens are 3x more likely to be uninsured.

Lower rates of employer-based insurance coverage.

Low-wage jobs.

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Barriers Contributing to Health Disparities Among Latinos in the United States

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Non-elderly men are more likely to be uninsured compared to non-elderly women.

Men are more likely to have employer-based coverage.

Women are more likely to have public coverage (due to low-income pregnant women coverage under Medicaid).

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1. Most of uninsured have at least 1 full-time worker or part-time workers in the household.

2. Most hold blue-collar jobs:

17%  blue-collar vs. 7% white collar

3. Workers can not afford the cost-sharing health insurance offered by their employers.

4. At end of 2014 when ACA was fully implemented -

44% did not have insurance due to being self-employed or not working

27% employer did not offer coverage

10% could not afford premiums

6% were ineligible for coverage

5. Minorities have lower rates of employment based coverage.