Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year estimates for 2021 found that estimated number and rate of uninsured children and the overall uninsured rate went down nationally from 2019 to 2021. Although relatively small, the rate change from 5.7% uninsured to 5.4% signifies approximately 210,000 more insured children. The overall uninsured rate improved from 9.2% to 8.6%, representing approximately 1,400,000 more total individuals insured nationwide.
The estimate of uninsured children in Indiana dropped from 119,000 to 100,000 approaching one of our best rates historically. Although our rate of uninsured children dropped significantly from 7.1% in 2019 to 6.0% in 2021, the Hoosier state is still underperforming against the national average. The overall uninsured rate in Indiana also improved, dropping to 7.5% from 8.7% for a gain of approximately 74,000 more insured Hoosiers and placing the state ahead of the national average. If protections are not put in place following the Public Health Emergency, however, many states like Indiana could see the rate of uninsured children and adults rise dramatically.