High Rate of Uninsured Nonelderly Americans
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) have tracked insurance coverage data throughout the U.S. The latest estimates from the NHIS reveal that approximately 30 million U.S residents lacked health insurance at the midpoint of 2020. This downward trend since 2013 of uninsured nonelderly indicates that more American residents are lacking access to care. With the Executive Order to reopen the ACA marketplaces, a new opportunity presents itself to help Americans get health insurance. The Special Enrollment Period for the Federally-Facilitated Marketplace will begin February 15, 2021 through May 15, 2021. State-based marketplaces will be able to follow suit and their dates may differ.
Disparities in Uninsured Population
Data reveals disparities in insurance coverage on a racial and ethnic basis. The National Center for Health Statistics conducted a survey from 2010 through 2019 revealing inequities in coverage. Rates for minority groups have decreased since 2010 but still have a significant gap from the majority. The percentage of uninsured at the time of interview in 2019 revealed White, Non-Hispanic at 9%, Black or African-American, Non-Hispanic at 12%, Asian, Non-Hispanic at 9% and Hispanic or Latino at 22%. The rates of those uninsured dropped in the last decade. There is still more work to be done to make Medicaid processes easier and increase funding for outreach of ACA Marketplaces.
Affordable Care Act in Motion
The Department of Health & Human Services released information on the rise of insurance coverage since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act. It was estimated that in 2016 approximately 20 million adults have gained health insurance. This uninsured rate for nonelderly adults dropped by 43%. The gains in coverage for racial and ethnic groups revealed 3 million nonelderly black adults, 4 million nonelderly Hispanic adults, and about 8.9 million nonelderly White adults. The Affordable Care Act has made a huge difference in lessening disparities in coverage throughout the U.S.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic an Executive Order was signed to reopen the ACA Marketplaces. This Special Enrollment Period is set to last a few months and will be an opportunity for the uninsured to get enrolled into a plan. Insurance agents are needed now more than ever to educate and guide Americans on their path to health insurance coverage.
How Our Agents Help
iPros Insurance Professionals has a presence in various places across the United States. Our agents are fully licensed and can guide clients through the Federally-Facilitated Marketplace and State Based Marketplaces. For any questions or concerns regarding the current COVID-19 SEP feel free to contact us. Insurance agents who are interested in getting appointed email us at [email protected] or fill out this contact form.
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