Connecticut has one of the lowest uninsured rates in the country – the result of a longstanding commitment to getting people covered. Yet many state residents remain uninsured. In 2021, the last year for which data is available, approximately 179,600 Connecticut residents were uninsured, or 5.1% of the state population.
Having health care coverage is key to good health. Research shows that people without insurance are less likely to receive preventive care, while those who are uninsured but have chronic diseases have worse clinical outcomes than people with coverage. People without insurance also have lower survival rates.
Who is uninsured and why?
Who is uninsured?
In Connecticut, people of color – particularly Hispanic residents – are more likely to be uninsured than white residents. Men are more likely to be uninsured than women. Three-quarters of uninsured residents live in households with at least one fulltime worker. People with incomes just above the poverty level are more likely than those of other income ranges to lack health care coverage.
why are they uninsured?
People who are uninsured typically fall into one of four categories:
- Those with low incomes who qualify for Medicaid but are not enrolled.
- Those with low to moderate incomes who qualify for federal financial assistance to buy coverage through Access Health CT, the state’s exchange, but are not enrolled.
- Those who were not eligible for federal financial assistance to buy coverage through the exchange because their income is too high or they are eligible for other coverage, such as through a job.*
- Those who are not eligible for Medicaid or financial aid to buy coverage through the exchange because of their immigration status.
*The American Rescue Plan Act, passed in 2021, made federal financial assistance to buy coverage available to people at higher income levels, and increased the amount of financial aid available to people at lower incomes. As a result, more people in these categories who were uninsured could find coverage more affordable.
Fact sheet
How are people covered
Here's a look at the breakdown of health care coverage in CT as of 2021.
fact sheet
Who is uninsured
Here is a look at the uninsured population in CT as of 2019.
What can Connecticut do to get more people covered?
There are steps that Connecticut can take to cover more people. Here are some places to start.
Report
Cover undocumented children
Many of Connecticut’s uninsured residents are ineligible for coverage because of their immigration status. This analysis examines the cost of covering children who are undocumented through a Medicaid-like program.
Report
Keep more children covered
Many of those who are uninsured were covered by Medicaid but have lost coverage even though they still qualify. This brief includes policy recommendations that could help people stay covered.
Report
Expand affordable options
Those with incomes just above the Medicaid threshold are the most likely to be uninsured. This report identifies two options the state could pursue to provide more affordable coverage options for this relatively low-income group.