The uninsured rate in Connecticut has improved over recent years, despite high unemployment and a slow economic recovery, according to Census data from the Current Population Survey. This improvement was likely due to the success of state and federal policy reforms aimed at improving access to health care.
Based on a comparison of two-year average rates, there was a statistically significant decline in the percentage of people under age 65 who were without health insurance for the entire year, decreasing from 12.7% in 2009-2010 to 9.5% in 2011-2012. Among children under age 18, the share without health insurance declined from 6.5% in 2009-2010 to 4.5% in 2011-2012. (Because of small survey sample sizes at the state level, two-year estimates should be used to evaluate trends over time in Connecticut.)
An estimated 9.2% (276,000) of all Connecticut residents under age 65 in 2012 were without health insurance for the entire previous year in 2012. Among Connecticut children under age 18, 3.6% (29,000) lacked insurance for the entire year.
There has been a decrease in the share of Connecticut children who are uninsured over the last decade, even as fewer children and adults have access to employment-based health insurance.
A major factor behind the decline in uninsured residents in recent years in the face of persistent poverty, high unemployment, a struggling economy, and less employment-based insurance was the success of state and federal policy reforms aimed at improving access to health care.
- In 2010, Connecticut expanded health coverage under Medicaid to more low-income adults without children, while drawing down new federal funds.
- Since 2009, a state law has enabled young adults aged 18 to 26 – the age group with the worst uninsured rates – to remain covered under their parents’ health plans.
- Since 2007, state policymakers have increased income eligibility for parents and pregnant women in HUSKY.
