health insurance in the U.S.

At least 45% of Americans got their health insurance from an employer in every month in 2010, compared with more than 46% in 2009 and more than 48% in 2008. Initially, the percentage reporting they have employer-based health insurance seemed to be decreasing as unemployment and underemployment increased. However, it is likely that other factors — including fewer employers offering health insurance — are also contributing to this trend…

While the percentage of 18- to 26-year-olds who lack health insurance has declined, there has been an increase among 25- to- 64-year-olds — who make up a much larger segment of the population — without health insurance. Young adults are likely benefiting from the provision in the new healthcare law that lets them stay on their parents’ health plans until age 26. However, none of the other components of the health law that have already been implemented — tax credits to help small businesses provide health insurance to their employees and the establishment of a Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan among several others — appear to be affecting coverage for older adults.

Gallup initially found an increase in the percentage of Americans who were uninsured in the fourth quarter of 2008, as the effects of the financial crisis took hold and unemployment began to rise. Since then, the uninsured rate has remained elevated.