Uninsured - Population (under age 19) by health insurance coverage status in Pennsylvania

Health insurance coverage is defined as legal entitlement to payment or reimbursement for health care costs.[1] Coverage can come in the form of private or public health insurance. Private insurance is typically a health plan provided through an employer or purchased directly from a private health insurance company, while public insurance comprises of plans funded by the government, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). [2] Health insurance coverage is incredibly important, as everyone requires medical care at some point in their lives. Having insurance lowers high out-of-pocket medical costs, frequently offers free preventative care (like vaccines, screenings, and check-ups), and provides essential benefits that are critical to maintaining one’s health.[3] Having healthcare coverage ultimately plays a crucial role in living a productive, secure, and healthy life.[4] In fact, many research studies have shown that having health coverage is associated with better health-related outcomes, including chronic conditions, cancer, and life expectancy.[5] Figures pertaining to the status of health insurance coverage are therefore often used as indictors of a population’s overall health, wealth, and workforce participation. Measuring the number of individuals who do not have health insurance also allows communities to identify gaps in community services, plan programs that address those gaps, and better provide assistance to those in need.[6]

Health insurance coverage is defined as legal entitlement to payment or reimbursement for health care costs.[1] Coverage can come in the form of private or public health insurance. Private insurance is typically a health plan provided through an employer or purchased directly from a private health insurance company, while public insurance comprises of plans funded by the government, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). [2] Health insurance coverage is incredibly important, as everyone requires medical care at some point in their lives. Having insurance lowers high out-of-pocket medical costs, frequently offers free preventative care (like vaccines, screenings, and check-ups), and provides essential benefits that are critical to maintaining one’s health.[3] Having healthcare coverage ultimately plays a crucial role in living a productive, secure, and healthy life.[4] In fact, many research studies have shown that having health coverage is associated with better health-related outcomes, including chronic conditions, cancer, and life expectancy.[5] Figures pertaining to the status of health insurance coverage are therefore often used as indictors of a population’s overall health, wealth, and workforce participation. Measuring the number of individuals who do not have health insurance also allows communities to identify gaps in community services, plan programs that address those gaps, and better provide assistance to those in need.[6]