hus14

Health Insurance Coverage
For adults aged 55–64, the percentage with private health insurance
was lower for all family income groups in 2012–2013 compared with
2002–2003, with the largest loss of private coverage occurring for
those with family income below 200% of the poverty level.
Health insurance coverage is a major determinant for access
to the health care system and influences both health care
utilization patterns and health outcomes (78).
Across all income groups, the percentage of adults aged 55–64
with any private coverage—and private workplace
coverage—was lower in 2012–2013 than in 2002–2003, while
the percentage with only public coverage was higher in
2012–2013 than in the earlier period. The percentage of adults
aged 55–64 who were uninsured was higher in 2012–2013 than
in 2002–2003 for all income groups below 400% of poverty.
For adults aged 55–64 living below 100% of the poverty level, the
percentage with private coverage in 2012–2013 (15.5%) was 43%
lower than in 2002–2003 (27.3%), and the percentage with
private coverage through the workplace (10.4% in 2012–2013)
was nearly 50% lower than in 2002–2003 (20.5%). For those living
below 100% of the poverty level, the percentage with only public
coverage was 17% higher and the percentage uninsured was
14% higher in 2012–2013 (32.0%) than in 2002–2003 (28.0%).
Similarly, for those at 100%–199% and 200%–399% of the
poverty level, the percentage with private coverage and
workplace coverage was lower in 2012–2013 than in the earlier
period, and the percentage with only public coverage and the
percentage uninsured was higher. For those in the highest family
income group, the percentage with private coverage was 2%
lower in 2012–2013 (90.8%) than in 2002–2003 (92.5%), the
percentage with only public coverage was 53% higher (5.5%
compared with 3.6%), and the percentage uninsured was similar
(about 4%).
In 2012–2013, a strong gradient persisted between family
income and type of health insurance coverage. As family
income decreased, the share with private coverage and
private workplace coverage decreased, and the share with
only public coverage, and the uninsured increased.
Figure 25. Health insurance coverage among adults aged 55–64, by percent of poverty level and type of coverage: United States,
average annual 2002–2003 and 2012–2013
Below 100%
Any private, including workplace
Private through workplace only
Public only
Uninsured
100%–199%
Any private, including workplace
Private through workplace only
Public only
Uninsured
200%–399%
Any private, including workplace
Private through workplace only
Public only
Uninsured
400% or more
Any private, including workplace
Private through workplace only
Public only
Uninsured
3.6
3.8
9.8
12.5
27.3
20.5
28.0
25.2
23.7
2002–2003 2012–2013
44.7
51.1
42.0
77.7
69.0
92.5
86.8
5.5
3.7
15.5
10.4
14.0
15.5
32.0
37.3
29.7
34.8
27.8
52.5
70.5
61.5
90.8
83.4
0 20 40 60 80 100
Percent
0 20 40 60 80 100
Percent
NOTES: Any private coverage includes those with coverage through the
workplace or other sources and includes a small percentage of adults with
both private and public coverage (3.2% in 2012–2013). Public only includes
Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicare, military
health care (TRICARE/VA/CHAMP–VA), state-sponsored health plans, and
other government programs. Persons not covered by private or public
coverage were considered uninsured. See data table for Figure 25.
SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Health Interview Survey. See Appendix I,
National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).
Excel and PowerPoint: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus/contents2014.htm#fig25
30 Chartbook: Special Feature on Adults Aged 55–64 Health, United States, 2014