In its Health Coverage in the United States: 2022 report, the U.S. Census Bureau revealed that employer-based insurance was the most common type of coverage, covering 54.5% of working-age adults.
The rate of health insurance coverage varies each year due to economic trends, demographic shifts (e.g., aging), and federal and state policy changes (e.g., COVID-19 public health emergency and Medicaid program). Overall, private health insurance coverage (65.6%) remained more prevalent than public insurance (36%) in 2022. Furthermore, health insurance coverage rates increased for Black, non-Hispanic white and Hispanic working-age adults.
“These findings reflect several factors affecting households in 2022. These include the continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, a rise in inflation, shifts in the composition of workers, policy changes and other macroeconomic conditions.” – Dave Waddington, chief of the Social, Economic and Housing Statistics Division of the U.S. Census Bureau
Consider these additional key takeaways:
- The majority (92%) of the population had health insurance at some point during 2022, which was an increase in the insured rate and number of insured from 2021.
- The subtypes of health insurance coverage that followed behind employment-based insurance were Medicaid (18.8%), Medicare (18.7%), direct-purchase coverage (10%), TRICARE (2.4%) and Veterans Affairs/CHAMPVA coverage (1%).
- The rate of Medicare coverage increased by 0.3 percentage points between 2021 and 2022 to cover 18.7% of people.
- The uninsured rate among working-age adults aged 19-64 decreased 0.8 percentage points to 10.8% between 2021 and 2022.
Health coverage of working-age adults increased significantly in the Northeast, Southern and Western regions, varying by age and employment status. The Census Bureau noted that the Midwest did not experience a significant increase.
Employer Takeaway
Health insurance coverage provides employees with critical access to medical care and protection from costly unexpected bills. The majority of Americans have private health insurance through an employer. The rate of health insurance coverage varies each year due to a variety of factors, so employers should continue to monitor health care trends, utilization and spending.
For more employee benefits resources, contact INSURICA today.
The content of this News Brief is of general interest and is not intended to apply to specific circumstances. It should not be regarded as legal advice and not be relied upon as such. In relation to any particular problem which they may have, readers are advised to seek specific advice. © 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Share This Story
Related Blogs
Flexible Compensation: A Necessary Evolution
In today’s fast-evolving job market, flexible compensation is redefining how companies attract and retain talent. Traditional pay structures, once seen as stable and predictable, are now losing appeal, particularly among younger professionals who prioritize personalized benefits over rigid salary scales. While flexible compensation models have gradually emerged since the early 2000s, the post-pandemic work era has rapidly accelerated their adoption—driven by shifting workforce expectations, economic volatility, and the rise of remote work and gig employment.
Balancing Employee Wellbeing and Financial Pressures
In today’s economic climate, businesses are facing rising costs and inflationary pressures, leading to a fundamental reassessment of employee benefits programs. While mental health and wellbeing initiatives remain a priority for employers, there is a growing demand for measurable impact and cost-efficient solutions rather than superficial perks. As companies strive to balance budget constraints with competitive benefits, the future of workplace wellness is shifting toward strategic, high-value programs that support employee health without breaking financial sustainability.
How Businesses Are Using Data Analytics to Optimize Employee Benefits Engagement
In today’s competitive job market, businesses are increasingly leveraging data analytics to enhance employee benefits engagement, ensuring that workers fully utilize available resources. Traditional benefits programs often suffer from low participation rates due to lack of awareness, complexity, or misalignment with employee needs. By integrating data-driven insights, companies can personalize benefits offerings, improve communication strategies, and maximize employee satisfaction while optimizing costs.