The number of uninsured Americans has increased in the first quarter of 2024, according to new data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reversing a trend of record lows seen following the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the CDC’s National Health Interview Survey estimates, 27.1 million Americans, or over 8%, lacked health insurance through March 2024, marking a rise of 3.4 million uninsured individuals year-on-year. In comparison, in 2023 the rate stood at approximately 7.7%.
While the surge is not yet statistically significant, experts warn that the trend could continue as the effects of COVID-19 policy changes begin to wear off.
The recent rise in uninsured Americans is attributed, in part, to the resumption of Medicaid eligibility checks after the pandemic. This process, known as “unwinding,” involves states verifying the eligibility of individuals enrolled in Medicaid, potentially leading to the removal of those who no longer qualify.
The unwinding process is expected to be completed by this month in most states, leading to a projected decline in Medicaid enrollment.
Experts, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), predict that the uninsured rate will likely return to pre-pandemic levels by 2026, attributing the projected rise to such factors as the end of pandemic-era insurance policies, the unwinding of Medicaid, and a surge in immigration.
The recent data highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring affordable healthcare access for all Americans, especially as the country transitions away from pandemic-related measures.
