2016 uninsured rates remain low in ERC region

Early estimates of health coverage finds that 28.6 million or 9% of Americans were uninsured last year, down 20 million from 2010, according to the CDC’s National Health Interview Survey. At 7.7% uninsured, the Northeast had the lowest rate among four US regions. Among ERC states, Massachusetts still ranks lowest in uninsured rate. All ERC states were below the US average. Vermont was not included in the report due to small numbers. As in past years, states that elected to expand Medicaid and/or develop a state-based insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act had lower uninsured rates. The survey also found that high deductible health plans are growing nationally from covering 25.3% of Americans under age 65 in 2010 to 39.4% last year.