A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Kentucky Health Issues Poll shows 24% of adult Kyians are concerned about losing health insurance


The most recent Kentucky Health Issues Poll (KHIP) found one in four (24%) of insured Kentucky adults ages 18 to 64 are concerned about losing health coverage within the next year.

In Northern Kentucky, fewer residents are concerned about losing coverage (14%).

However, more Northern Kentucky residents (26.1%) said they were not insured at the time of the poll than those statewide (14.6%).

Participation in Employer-Sponsored Plans Declines; Public Coverage Increases
         
Kentucky residents with employer-sponsored health insurance declined from 45% in 2016 to 39% in 2017. Since KHIP started tracking health insurance in 2008, the lowest reports of employer-based health insurance were this year, and in 2012 (37%).

Public insurance coverage increased from 29% in 2016 to 35% in 2017. Public insurance includes Medicare, Medicaid and military benefits. In 2014 Kentucky expanded Medicaid eligibility for Kentuckians earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or a maximum of $33,534 for a family of four.

About 1 in 10 Kentucky adults in 2017 reported getting health insurance from other sources (11%). These sources included coverage on a parent’s health plan or buying individual coverage.

“Insurance coverage is paramount to access to care,” says O’dell Moreno Owens, M.D., M.P.H., President and CEO of Interact for Health. “As the traditional insurance landscape continues to change, we need to be focused on an equitable solution so all in our community can access the care they need.”

These poll results focus on Kentucky adults ages 18 to 64.

Nearly all Kentucky adults ages 65 and older are insured (96%). Interact for Health and the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky sponsored the poll.

More information about Kentuckians’ health insurance coverage and their opinions on a variety of health topics, is available at the website.


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