The 2011 Census showed that more than 48.6 million Americans were uninsured during the whole year, compared to 49.9 million in 2010. While this may seem like a relatively insignificant drop in the number of uninsured individuals, it is the lowest level since 1999. Nevertheless, this still means that as of 2011 15.7% of Americans were uninsured.
The Census attributes the decline in the number of uninsured individuals to more people being enrolled in government programs like Medicaid and to the number of people enrolled in private plans remaining steady, rather than declining, for the first time in a decade.
The numbers of uninsured people aged 19 to 25 dropped from 29.8% in 2010 to 27.7% in 2011. This is mostly attributed to the provision under the Affordable Care Act that began in 2010 allowing parents to keep their adult children on their policies until age 26.
Despite these promising numbers, millions of Americans are still uninsured. Should these individuals become seriously ill and require medical care, medical expenses could potentially lead to overwhelming debt and even bankruptcy. This is why it’s so important to have health insurance for you and your family.
An experienced insurance agent can help you navigate your options and find coverage that meets your needs and budget. Benefit Packages has more than two decades of experience helping individuals, seniors and employer groups find coverage with reputable companies like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Call us today for a quote at 1-800-356-3615.