Health insurance serves as a safeguard against unforeseen medical emergencies and dire health conditions that could potentially devastate one’s financial stability. However, the costs associated with premiums and out-of-pocket expenses can significantly impact one’s financial well-being. In 2024, the average annual premium for an individual approached $9,000, while a family of four faced an estimated cost of $25,500. Although many employers assist with premium payments and the Affordable Care Act has expanded access to healthcare for those without employer coverage, health insurance remains a substantial financial commitment that some individuals may opt to go without. In such instances, individuals may find themselves weighing the trade-offs between their health and financial security.
In an effort to shed light on the varying rates of health insurance coverage across different regions, SmartAsset evaluated 810 counties in the United States based on the percentage of individuals under the age of 65 who were insured in 2024. The analysis also delved into annual fluctuations in coverage, the number of insured children, and the availability of primary care physicians within each county.
Key Insights:
– The Lone Star State of Texas is home to counties with some of the lowest rates of health insurance coverage nationwide. Leading the pack is Hidalgo County, where a staggering 32% of residents lack health insurance. Following closely behind are Cameron County (30.1% uninsured), Webb County (29.7%), Starr County (29%), Ector County (25.3%), Potter County (24.4%), Dallas County (24.2%), Harris County (23.8%), and El Paso County (23.5%), all ranking among the top 10 uninsured counties in the country.
– On the opposite end of the spectrum, Massachusetts emerges as a beacon of high health insurance coverage rates, with over 96% of its population being insured. Norfolk County boasts the highest rate of insurance at 97.6%, with more than 98.5% of children under 19 in the state having health insurance.
– Disparities in access to primary care physicians are also evident, with Orange County, TX, having the highest ratio of residents to primary care physicians and Smith County, TX, having the lowest ratio.
– Noteworthy fluctuations in coverage year over year were observed, with Tom Green County, TX, witnessing a significant drop in insurance coverage, while Elkhart County, IN, showed substantial improvement.
By scrutinizing the data on health insurance coverage, primary care access, and year-over-year trends, policymakers and healthcare providers can better understand the disparities that exist and work towards ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all individuals.
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– In 2024, the percentage of people under 65 who are uninsured is 29%.
– In 2023, the percentage of people under 65 who are uninsured is 28.91%.
– The population per primary care physician is 3,885.
– The population per mental health care professional is 4,695.
– In 2024, 12.46% of children under 19 are uninsured.
Ector County, TX:
– In 2024, the percentage of people under 65 who are uninsured is 25.26%.
– In 2023, the percentage of people under 65 who are uninsured is 22.91%.
– The population per primary care physician is 1,751.
– The population per mental health care professional is 1,962.
– In 2024, 18.56% of children under 19 are uninsured.
Potter County, TX:
– In 2024, the percentage of people under 65 who are uninsured is 24.44%.
– In 2023, the percentage of people under 65 who are uninsured is 24.39%.
– The population per primary care physician is 1,143.
– The population per mental health care professional is 385.
– In 2024, 13.36% of children under 19 are uninsured.
Dallas County, TX:
– In 2024, the percentage of people under 65 who are uninsured is 24.15%.
– In 2023, the percentage of people under 65 who are uninsured is 22.54%.
– The population per primary care physician is 1,387.
– The population per mental health care professional is 487.
– In 2024, 14.88% of children under 19 are uninsured.
Harris County, TX:
– In 2024, the percentage of people under 65 who are uninsured is 23.76%.
– In 2023, the percentage of people under 65 who are uninsured is 22.42%.
– The population per primary care physician is 1,717.
– The population per mental health care professional is 613.
– In 2024, 13.93% of children under 19 are uninsured.
El Paso County, TX:
– In 2024, the percentage of people under 65 who are uninsured is 23.52%.
– In 2023, the percentage of people under 65 who are uninsured is 23.03%.
– The population per primary care physician is 2,014.
– The population per mental health care professional is 810.
– In 2024, 10.09% of children under 19 are uninsured.
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Statistics on uninsured individuals and healthcare professionals in various counties:
Smith County, TX:
– Uninsured individuals under 19 in 2024: 12.11%
– Uninsured individuals under 65 in 2024: 21.18%
– Population per primary care physician: 1,014
– Population per mental health care professional: 593
Nueces County, TX:
– Uninsured individuals under 19 in 2024: 11.74%
– Uninsured individuals under 65 in 2024: 21.16%
– Population per primary care physician: 1,266
– Population per mental health care professional: 648
Wise County, TX:
– Uninsured individuals under 19 in 2024: 9.83%
– Uninsured individuals under 65 in 2024: 20.88%
– Population per primary care physician: 2,656
– Population per mental health care professional: 1,702
Top 20 Counties With the Lowest Rates of Uninsured People:
Norfolk County, MA:
– Uninsured individuals under 65 in 2024: 2.39%
– Population per primary care physician: 836
– Population per mental health care professional: 145
Middlesex County, MA:
– Uninsured individuals under 65 in 2024: 2.41%
– Population per primary care physician: 803
– Population per mental health care professional: 145
Hampshire County, MA:
– Uninsured individuals under 65 in 2024: 2.48%
– Population per primary care physician: 781
– Population per mental health care professional: 93
Plymouth County, MA:
– Uninsured individuals under 65 in 2024: 2.69%
– Population per primary care physician: 1,577
– Population per mental health care professional: 161
Franklin County, MA:
– Uninsured individuals under 65 in 2024: 2.80%
– Population per primary care physician: 1,578
– Population per mental health care professional: 106
Worcester County, MA:
– Uninsured individuals under 65 in 2024: 3.01%
– Population per primary care physician: 1,071
– Population per mental health care professional: 172
Carver County, MN:
– Uninsured individuals under 65 in 2024: 3.08%
– Population per primary care physician: 1,181
– Population per mental health care professional: 453
Berkshire County, MA:
– Uninsured individuals under 65 in 2024: 3.11%
– Population per primary care physician: 912
– Population per mental health care
Population per mental health care professional: 190
Children under 19 who are uninsured, 2024: 1.25%
Suffolk County, MA
People under 65 that are uninsured, 2024: 3.27%
People under 65 that are uninsured, 2023: 3.77%
Population per primary care physician: 635
Population per mental health care professional: 94
Children under 19 who are uninsured, 2024: 1.08%
Washington County, MN
People under 65 that are uninsured, 2024: 3.40%
People under 65 that are uninsured, 2023: 4.21%
Population per primary care physician: 959
Population per mental health care professional: 312
Children under 19 who are uninsured, 2024: 2.23%
Bristol County, MA
People under 65 that are uninsured, 2024: 3.51%
People under 65 that are uninsured, 2023: 3.77%
Population per primary care physician: 1,980
Population per mental health care professional: 174
Children under 19 who are uninsured, 2024: 1.33%
Newport County, RI
People under 65 that are uninsured, 2024: 3.70%
People under 65 that are uninsured, 2023: 3.81%
Population per primary care physician: 1,201
Population per mental health care professional: 259
Children under 19 who are uninsured, 2024: 2.24%
Hampden County, MA
People under 65 that are uninsured, 2024: 3.71%
People under 65 that are uninsured, 2023: 3.86%
Population per primary care physician: 1,502
Population per mental health care professional: 90
Children under 19 who are uninsured, 2024: 1.38%
Washington County, RI
People under 65 that are uninsured, 2024: 3.72%
People under 65 that are uninsured, 2023: 3.08%
Population per primary care physician: 1,220
Population per mental health care professional: 280
Children under 19 who are uninsured, 2024: 2.23%
Oldham County, KY
People under 65 that are uninsured, 2024: 3.74%
People under 65 that are uninsured, 2023: 4.44%
Population per primary care physician: 1,675
Population per mental health care professional: 837
Children under 19 who are uninsured, 2024: 2.74%
Placer County, CA
People under 65 that are uninsured, 2024: 3.86%
People under 65 that are uninsured,
