More young adults have health insurance

Fewer young adults uninsured

The percentage of young adults in America who are without health insurance dropped quarter of quarter, Gallup said in a recent report.

The number of young adults – those aged 18- to 25-years-old – who do not have health insurance dropped from 24.5 percent in the first quarter (Q1) of 2012 to 23 percent thus far into the second quarter (Q2) of 2012.

This downward slide in the percentage of uninsured young adults has been a trend since a healthcare law went into effect in September 2010. The law allows young adults in the U.S. to remain on their parents’ health insurance plans until the age of 26.

In the first quarter of the law’s existence – the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2010 – the uninsured rate fell from 28 percent (in the third quarter of 2010) to 26.3 percent. It then dropped to 24 percent in the subsequent quarter – Q1 2011.

Those older than 26 more likely to be uninsured

Despite the positive trend in coverage for young adults, those aged 26 to 64 have become more likely to be uninsured, Gallup said. The percentage of adults aged 26 to 64 has increased from 15 percent in January 2008 to its current level of 19.6 percent.

The percentage of seniors (65 and older) has remained relatively low over the past four years – varying between 2.8 percent and 3.7 percent – Gallup noted. Seniors qualify for Medicare, so the uninsured stays low.

All in all, 16.9 percent of U.S. adults (all age groups) are uninsured thus far into Q2 2012.

Employment could be a factor

According to Gallup, 44 percent of adults currently report getting health insurance through an employer. This mark is a notable decline from the 49.8 percent mark reported in January 2008.

The current 44 percent mark with employer-based health insurance is the lowest ever recorded by Gallup.

Posted in: Insurance

Insurance News: This article was published on 6-28-2012 at 1:05 pm.

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