Snapshot: California's Uninsured 2005

Publication Date: October 2005

Publisher: California HealthCare Foundation

Author(s):

Research Area: Health

Type: Brief

Coverage: California

Abstract:

The decline in employer-based health coverage and the increase in public health insurance coverage leave the number of uninsured in California unchanged from 2004 at approximately 6.5 million, or just over 20% of the non-elderly population. This is one of several findings featured in Snapshot: California's Uninsured 2005, CHCF's third annual report highlighting the state's uninsured population. The growth over time of the uninsured population is a complex problem driven by numerous economic and demographic forces. This snapshot examines the issue in California through the lens of various factors to contribute to a better understanding of the influences that affect health coverage in the state. The snapshot is based on analysis of the Current Population Survey, March 2005, by the Employee Benefit Research Institute. It features health insurance coverage sources and trends; employer-based coverage and uninsured population trends; likelihood of coverage by ethnicity, age, and income; and uninsured rates for noncitizens.