The number of uninsured in Washington is unacceptable
- 1 in every 7 Washington residents does not have any health insurance.
- 65% of these uninsured are from working families.
- 10% of Washington kids under 18 do not have health insurance.
- Only 73% of kids between 19-35 months have received their standard immunizations.
- 40% of Hispanics in Washington are uninsured.
The number of uninsured is rising
- Employer coverage is shrinking. Between 1996 and 1999 alone, the average annual out-of-pocket cost of health insurance for Washington employees grew by 21% for an individual policy, and 33% for a family policy.
- Employers have reported plans to pass on an additional 12-14% of health care costs to employees in 2003.
- As their share of costs increase, many employees must choose to go without health insurance – 57% of the uninsured said they did not have coverage because they could not afford it.
Lack of Health Insurance Threatens Economic Security
- 68% of Washingtonians in a recent poll said they were very worried about finding affordable quality health insurance.
- Medical bills are one of the leading causes of bankruptcy for uninsured families.
More To Read
June 21, 2022
Washington’s New “After-Pregnancy Coverage” Program is Ready for Takeoff
Thousands of eligible residents can now begin receiving care.
April 14, 2022
Register Now for EOI’s 2022 Legislative Wrap Up Event!
Join us as we recap the wins and challenges from the 2022 legislative session!