The latest survey findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal a concerning trend in the United States – more than 8% of Americans did not have health insurance during the first months of 2024. This marks a significant increase from previous years, breaking a streak of record-low uninsured rates that followed the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the CDC’s quarterly figures, an estimated 27.1 million Americans of all ages were uninsured through March of this year.
The increase in the uninsured rate amounts to 3.4 million more Americans without health insurance during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same time in 2023. This rise is particularly alarming as it reverses the positive trend of decreasing uninsured rates that had been seen in recent years. The CDC’s National Health Interview Survey provides valuable insights into the state of health insurance coverage in the country, with future rounds of the survey expected to shed more light on the evolving situation.
Despite the recent increase in uninsured Americans, the CDC notes that the changes so far are not statistically significant. Christy Hagen of the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics emphasizes the need for continued monitoring to determine the full extent of the rise in uninsured rates this year. The figures released on Tuesday come after a period of record-low uninsured rates that had been celebrated by the Biden administration in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Experts and health officials attribute the previous record-low uninsured rates to pandemic-era changes in health insurance policies. One significant factor was the suspension of eligibility verifications for Medicaid recipients during the pandemic, which helped maintain coverage for many individuals. However, the process of resuming these eligibility checks, known as Medicaid „unwinding,“ is now underway and expected to be completed in most states by this month.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have projected a return to pre-pandemic uninsured rates by 2026, citing declines in Medicaid enrollment and the expiration of temporary subsidies as contributing factors. Additionally, estimates from the Congressional Budget Office suggest that the U.S. uninsured rate is likely to worsen in the coming years, with increased immigration also playing a role in driving up uninsured rates.
Overall, the latest findings from the CDC highlight the importance of monitoring health insurance coverage in the U.S. and addressing the factors that contribute to rising uninsured rates. As the nation navigates the post-pandemic landscape, ensuring access to affordable and comprehensive health insurance for all Americans remains a critical priority.