In 2019, about 12% of the U.S. population under age 65 (about 30 million Americans) were not enrolled in a health insurance plan or a government health program that provides comprehensive major medical coverage, according to a report from the Congressional Budget Office. The nation’s federal programs, subsidies and other sources of coverage did not reach those people even during a strong economy and historically low unemployment, the report noted. People with low incomes were likely to be uninsured in 2019, and about two-thirds of uninsured people were eligible for some form of subsidized coverage, although the available subsidies varied on the basis of family income, access to employment-based coverage and other factors. A smaller number of uninsured people had no option for coverage except a private plan purchased at full cost. Many uninsured people do not enroll in coverage because of the cost; others may not know they are eligible for subsidized coverage or may be deterred by the complexity of enrolling. Although the majority of uninsured people could obtain coverage for 10% or less of their income, they may not view the coverage to be worth the cost, the CBO said.
