THE VALUED VOICE

On September 10, the U.S. Census Bureau published the data from their annual population survey. Nationally, the uninsured rate increased to 8.5% in 2018, the first increase since 2009. A decline in Medicaid enrollment was cited as a leading cause of the overall increase, while Medicare coverage experienced a slight uptick (0.4%). Employer-based insurance continued to be the most common form of coverage, insuring 55.1% of the population.

In Wisconsin the uninsured rate did not change significantly, calculated at 5.5%, compared to 5.4% for the previous year. Wisconsin ranks 11th-best nationally and continues to be a standout among states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Wisconsin is the only non-expansion state in the top 25.

“Maintaining the gains we have made in insurance coverage is a top priority for WHA and our members,” said Eric Borgerding, WHA president and CEO. “It is reassuring to see this sort of coverage stability and for Wisconsin to continue to be a national leader in access to coverage.”