Data Definition and Methodology: This measure shows the percentage of Marylanders who do not have a private or public health insurance plan.

Data for this measure was obtained from the American Community Survey (ACS), an annual demographics survey program conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. Data on health insurance status was derived from answers to Question 16 in the ACS, which was asked of all respondents. Respondents were instructed to report their current coverage and to mark “yes” or “no” for each of the eight types listed (labeled as parts 16(a) to 16(h)).

• a. Insurance through a current or former employer or union (of this person or another family member)
• b. Insurance purchased directly from an insurance company (by this person or another family member)
• c. Medicare, for people 65 and older, or people with certain disabilities
• d. Medicaid, Medical Assistance, or any kind of government-assistance plan for those with low incomes or a disability
• e. TRICARE or other military health care
• f. VA (enrolled for VA health care)
• g. Indian Health Service
• h. Any other type of health insurance or health coverage plan

Public Health Significance: Without health insurance, people are less likely to have a regular health care provider and more likely to skip routine health care. This puts them at increased risk for serious health problems.

Additional Resources:

• CDC Health Insurance Coverage Information
• US Census Bureau Data
• Healthy People 2030