Health Insurance

Without health insurance, citizens often are unable to pay for the medical care they need, and frequently forego preventive measures that would make that care unnecessary. Approximately 13 percent of Hampton Roads residents under 65 years of age are uninsured.

Why is This Important?

Health insurance is defined as insurance against loss by illness or bodily injury. Health insurance generally provides coverage for medicine, visits to the doctor or emergency room, hospital stays, and other medical expenses. Policies differ in what they cover, the size of the deductible and/or co-payment, limits of coverage, and the options for treatment available to the policyholder. The uninsured population lacks coverage by any private or public health insurance. Research has shown individuals without health insurance have great difficulty accessing the health care system and frequently do not participate in preventive care programs.

How is Hampton Roads Doing?

Within Virginia in 2005, the Hampton Roads (13.3 percent) region had the lowest rate of uninsured residents under the age of 65 years. The Eastern region was highest at 19.1 percent and the state average was 14.5.

What Influences Health Insurance?

More than 200,000 people were estimated to be without health insurance in the Hampton Roads region in 2006 (Burris). Influences on health insurance in all regions include:

• Income Level: People with income at or below 200 percent of poverty (2008: $20,800 for an individual) are nearly twice as likely to be uninsured as people at higher income levels.

• Race and Ethnicity: Racial and ethnic minority groups are less likely to be insured than White Virginians.

• Age: Young adults are at greater risk for being uninsured than children and older adults.

• Employment Status: Unemployed individuals, part-time workers, and homemakers are at greater risk of being uninsured.

• Firm Size: Employees of very small firms are typically at greater risk of being uninsured.