Aug 7, 2024 - News
North Carolina's uninsured population reaches new low
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The number of North Carolinians under 65 without health insurance hit a new low in 2022, according to new Census Bureau data, but still remains higher than the national average.
By the numbers: Around 11% of people in the state under the age of 65 were uninsured in 2022 — a significant improvement from 18.6% in 2006.
- Nationally, the uninsured rate is around 9.5%.
The big picture: The uninsured rate fell in 627 U.S. counties and increased in only 23 between 2021 and 2022 — indicating a trend toward more Americans being covered.
- Coverage expansions under the Affordable Care Act and social safety net policies enacted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic are helping reduce the uninsured rate, per KFF.
What we're watching: Medicaid enrollment in North Carolina has grown significantly this year after the state expanded eligibility, potentially lowering the uninsured rate.
- North Carolina was the 41st state to adopt the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion when Cooper signed the legislation in 2023.
- So far, more than 500,000 North Carolinians have been enrolled in the Medicaid expansion.
