The Uninsured in Virginia: Facts at a Glance
Estimates of uninsurance in Virginia over the past several years have ranged from 9% - 15% of the total population due to differences in survey methodology, changes in policies and demographics, and fluctuations in the economy. When comparing uninsurance rates across time and across states, demographers typically rely on the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey (CPS). CPS data from March 2004 and 2005 estimate that 14% (or just over one million) Virginians are uninsured. Although there may be debate over which population estimates are the most accurate, there is no question that uninsurance weighs heavily on the minds of the vast majority of Virginians.
In 2004, the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Health Policy and Planning commissioned the State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC) to conduct Virginia Health Care Insurance and Access Survey, a telephone interview survey of over 4,000 representative households across the state. Results of that survey indicate continuing high rates of uninsurance statewide with some regions faring better than others.
Rates of uninsurance for Virginia vary from 6.3% for those who were uninsured all year to 11.5% for those uninsured at some point during 2004. The state’s Central Region had the highest rate of uninsurance at the time of the survey (Fall 2004).
Virginia Uninsured by Region, 2004
Source: 2004 Virginia Health Care Insurance and Access Survey
Virginia’s non-elderly adults are more likely to be uninsured than the state’s children. Over 11% of adults aged 19 to 64 lack health insurance compared to just over 6% of all children 18 years and younger. Young adults ages 19 to 24 have the highest rate of uninsurance.
Age of Virginia Uninsured, 2004
Source: 2004 Virginia Health Care Insurance and Access Survey
Much like the U.S. as a whole, the Commonwealth’s low-income population has one of the highest rates of uninsurance. The proportion of families without health insurance living at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is close to or exceeds 20%.
Consistent with national figures, part-time and temporary
workers and those employed in small firms are more likely to fill
the ranks of Virginia’s uninsured. Over 22% of those
working in businesses with less than 10 employees, 28% working between
21 and 30 hours a week, and nearly a quarter of all temporary and
seasonal workers have no health insurance through their place of
work. Among all working adults, 10.2% are uninsured.
Changes have occurred which have affected the insurance coverage
of children and adults. Increases in Medicaid and FAMIS (SCHIP)
enrollment since 2001 have helped to lower uninsurance rates of children
and pregnant women, while higher rates of unemployment and an influx
of new immigrants have led to an increase in the uninsured adult population.
Private, employment related insurance accounted for the majority
of coverage across the Commonwealth.
| Insurance Coverage in Virginia for Adults (19-64) | 2004 Private Insurance Coverage Virginia
Adults (19-64 years) 2004 |
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| Source: 2004 Virginia Health Care Insurance and Access Survey | Source: 2004 Virginia Health Care Insurance and Access Survey |
Over a quarter of Virginia’s uninsured population is Hispanic. In addition, nearly a quarter of Virginia’s uninsured population has less than a high school education.
| Race/Ethnicity of Uninsured Virginians 2004 | Education of Virginia Uninsured 2004 |
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| Source: 2004 Virginia Health Care Insurance and Access Survey | Source: 2004 Virginia Health Care Insurance and Access |
The uninsured are more likely not to see a doctor because of cost. As well as, nearly 13% of Virginians without health insurance report poor health.
Virginia Uninsured Not Seeing a Doctor in Past Year Due to Cost, 2004
Source: 2004 Virginia Health Care Insurance and Access Survey
The Virginia Department of Health was awarded a State Planning Grant (SPG) in 2003 by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to examine the problem of the uninsured in Virginia, and explore alternatives for expanding health insurance coverage. The 2004 household survey of Virginians was funded by the HRSA SPG. For more information see the SPG project website at: www.insuremorevirginians.org
Lead Agency: Virginia Department of Health, Office of Policy and Planning.
Ms. Rene S. Cabral-Daniels, Director: 804-864-7434.
Technical consultants: Center for Health Policy, Research & Ethics,
George Mason University. Dr. P.J. Maddox: 703-993-1982
Return to The Uninsured in Virginia.
Last Updated: December 12, 2005