OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed trends in health insurance coverage in the United States from 1989 through 1996. METHODS: Data from annual cross-sectional surveys by the US Census Bureau were analyzed. RESULTS: Between 1989 and 1996, the number of uninsured persons increased by 8.3 million (90% confidence interval [CI] = 7.7, 8.9 million). In 1996, 41.7 million (90% CI = 40.9, 42.5 million) lacked insurance. From 1989 to 1993, the proportion with Medicaid increased by 3.6 percentage points (90% CI = 3.1, 4.0), while the proportion with private insurance declined by 4.2 percentage points (90% CI = 3.7, 4.7). From 1993 to 1996 private coverage rates stabilized but did not reverse earlier declines. Consequently, the number uninsured continued to increase. The greatest increase in the population of uninsured [corrected] was among young adults aged 18 to 39 years; rates among children also rose steeply after 1992. While Blacks had the largest percentage increase, Hispanics accounted for 36.4% (90% CI = 32.3%, 40.5%) of the increase in the number uninsured. From 1989 to 1993, the majority of the increase was among poor families. Since then, middle-income families have incurred the largest increase. Northcentral and northeastern states had the largest increases in percent uninsured. CONCLUSIONS: Despite economic prosperity, the numbers and rates of the uninsured continued to rise. Principally affected were children and young adults, poor and middle income families, blacks, and Hispanics.
OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed trends in health insurance coverage in the United States from 1989 through 1996. METHODS: Data from annual cross-sectional surveys by the US Census Bureau were analyzed. RESULTS: Between 1989 and 1996, the number of uninsured persons increased by 8.3 million (90% confidence interval [CI] = 7.7, 8.9 million). In 1996, 41.7 million (90% CI = 40.9, 42.5 million) lacked insurance. From 1989 to 1993, the proportion with Medicaid increased by 3.6 percentage points (90% CI = 3.1, 4.0), while the proportion with private insurance declined by 4.2 percentage points (90% CI = 3.7, 4.7). From 1993 to 1996 private coverage rates stabilized but did not reverse earlier declines. Consequently, the number uninsured continued to increase. The greatest increase in the population of uninsured [corrected] was among young adults aged 18 to 39 years; rates among children also rose steeply after 1992. While Blacks had the largest percentage increase, Hispanics accounted for 36.4% (90% CI = 32.3%, 40.5%) of the increase in the number uninsured. From 1989 to 1993, the majority of the increase was among poor families. Since then, middle-income families have incurred the largest increase. Northcentral and northeastern states had the largest increases in percent uninsured. CONCLUSIONS: Despite economic prosperity, the numbers and rates of the uninsured continued to rise. Principally affected were children and young adults, poor and middle income families, blacks, and Hispanics.
Authors: Kevin M Gorey; Isaac N Luginaah; Kendra L Schwartz; Karen Y Fung; Madhan Balagurusamy; Emma Bartfay; Frances C Wright; Uzoamaka Anucha; Renee R Parsons Journal: Breast Cancer Res Treat Date: 2008-03-11 Impact factor: 4.872
Authors: Julienne K Kirk; Ralph B D'Agostino; Ronny A Bell; Leah V Passmore; Denise E Bonds; Andrew J Karter; K M Venkat Narayan Journal: Diabetes Care Date: 2006-09 Impact factor: 19.112