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
January 29, 2025
Who is left out of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act?
Strengthening job protections gives all workers time they need to care for themselves and their families
January 17, 2025
A look into the Department of Revenue’s Wealth Tax Study
A wealth tax can be reasonably and effectively implemented in Washington state
January 13, 2025
Meeting the Moment: EOI’s 2025 Legislative Agenda
This session, lawmakers must pass multiple progressive revenue solutions to fund the programs and services that help make Washington communities affordable