Individuals and families lacking health insurance are vulnerable to a dangerous combination of health and financial crises. In the United States, most working adults have health insurance through their employers. Seniors (ages 65 and over) nearly always receive Medicare coverage. Low-income children are usually covered by Medicaid, which in Washington State is now called Apple Health for Kids. Eventually, adult health services in Washington State that are currently provided by Medicaid will also be facilitated by Apple Health. Due to the new requirements of the Affordable Care Act, there are many changes occurring regarding access to health care for people in Washington State. More information on the changes occurring with the Washington State Health Care Authority – Apple Health can be accessed here.
Those who earn less have fewer resources with which to purchase health insurance. In addition, they are likely to work for employers, usually small businesses, which may have an increased difficulty affording or acquiring a health care plan. Compared to people with insurance, the uninsured population has compromised health because they generally: receive less preventive care; are diagnosed with diseases at more advanced disease stages; and once diagnosed, tend to receive less therapeutic care and have higher mortality rates. The billions of dollars in costs for uncompensated care for the uninsured are indirectly passed on to funders of public programs and participants in private health plans.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, children without health insurance are less likely to receive: disease-preventing inoculations, basic preventative care, treatment for common childhood illnesses like asthma and ear infections, and for injuries. Additionally, children without health insurance are more likely to have an unmet medical condition.
This indicator measures the estimated number and share of the population ages 18 or younger, in Walla Walla & Columbia Counties combined, who did not have health insurance coverage. Washington State and the U.S. are offered as benchmarks.
According to the US Census Bureau, the pandemic made the collection of accurate one-year estimates for the American Community Survey (ACS) impossible in 2020. Five-year estimates might be available for popular series in early 2022.
