|
Why Are So Many Americans Uninsured?
The high cost of coverage is the most commonly
cited reason for lack of health insurance. Insurance premiums, along with the employee contribution, have increased substantially over the past decade, with the average employee share of premiums at 27% in 1998.
Higher premiums have particularly affected low-wage workers. The employee cost for family coverage is higher in businesses that employ mainly low-wage workers. Access to employer-sponsored health coverage has also been
declining among low-income workers, as employment continues to shift into sectors that are less likely to offer coverage. Gaps in the Medicaid program leave many low-income Americans, especially adults, without
coverage. Non-elderly low-income adults must meet stringent income eligibility standards and generally are not eligible if they are single adults or childless couples, no matter how poor. Parents may qualify for
Medicaid, though income eligibility is set much lower than for children.
