With unemployment still hovering just below 10%, the ranks of American without health insurance continues to climb.
A new study from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research reported this week that on average 24.3% of residents of California do not currently have health insurance. The numbers were even higher in 37 of the state's counties.
Health insurance directly tied to unemployment
It should come as no surprise that the rate of uninsured is directly tied to unemployment rates. In the Bay Area, for instance, which did not report massive layoffs, the uninsured rate was under 19%. That area also reported the highest rate of employer sponsored coverage with 60% of resident continuing to get their health insurance coverage through their employers.
On the other hand, Los Angeles County reported the largest number of uninsured residents. In that area 28.9% of adults under age 65 and children were without health insurance for a least part of the year.
Employer sponsored coverage was also low in L.A. County. Only 43.3% of employees reported having health insurance through their employer.
Nationwide more people are getting health insurance from government
A Gallup poll conducted earlier this year reported that in 2010 the number of American getting their health insurance through employers dropped. Unemployment had a great deal to do with this statistic.
Gallup also found that more people are relying on government programs, like Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare and Veterans Benefits for health insurance.
Despite expansion of some of these programs, the total uninsured rate has climbed to over 16%. That figure is up from the 14% of uninsured reported in 2008.
Health reform will not help until 2014
It should be noted that the Affordable Care Act passed in March 2010 does have provisions for helping low and middle income families get affordable health insurance.
However, the major provisions of the Affordable Care Act which include expansion of Medicaid and the creation of state based exchanges will not take effect until 2014.
Meanwhile, with unemployment up, the number of uninsured also rises.
Join the discussion and make your voice heard. Log-in and port your comments and opinions. For the latest news SUBSCRIBE here
Comments
Americans really have a catch 22 when it comes to health insurance.
When I lived in the US, my employer paid for practically all of my medical bills and the health care was the best I have ever experienced! The doctors and nurses were superb and there were no waits at all and the hospitals were clean and the staff caring.
Most of my life has been spent in Canada where we have true socialized medicine, straight across the board for everyone and we don't have any health insurance companies at all. The quality of health care is horrid - huge waits, dank hospitals with people soaked in urine and blood stains on the walls. The staff is surly and overworked. It is not unheard of for a person to wait 24 hours for treatment or to die while waiting.
So take your pick!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!