- Uninsured Rate Increases: The uninsured rate in the U.S. has risen to 8.2% in early 2024, up from 7.7% in 2023.
- Millions Without Coverage: Approximately 27.1 million Americans were uninsured through March 2024, reflecting a significant increase.
- End of Pandemic Protections: The cessation of pandemic-era Medicaid protections and subsidies has contributed to this rise.
In a concerning development for the American healthcare system, the number of uninsured Americans has climbed to 8.2% in the first quarter of 2024, a marked increase from 7.7% the previous year. This surge means that an estimated 27.1 million people were without health insurance as of March, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The record low uninsured rates seen in recent years were largely attributed to pandemic-era changes, such as the pause in states’ rechecking of Medicaid eligibility and temporary subsidies that made health insurance more affordable. These measures helped keep millions insured during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the resumption of Medicaid eligibility checks and the phasing out of these temporary subsidies, many have lost their coverage.
Experts have warned that the situation could worsen. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) projects that the uninsured rate will continue to rise as more people are disenrolled from Medicaid. Additionally, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has forecasted an increase in the uninsured rate in the coming years.
The increase in uninsured Americans highlights a critical issue: the fragility of the current healthcare safety net. With the rollback of emergency measures, millions of Americans face the risk of being without essential health coverage, raising concerns about access to healthcare and financial stability for those affected.
As policymakers debate the future of healthcare in America, this rise in the uninsured rate serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable health coverage.