Study looks at variation in health care coverage, access in four largest states

Uninsured rates for adults in the nation’s four largest states were higher last year in the states that had not expanded Medicaid eligibility to low-income adults under the Affordable Care Act, according to a study released today by the Commonwealth Fund. New York and California, which have expanded eligibility, had 2014 uninsured rates for working-age adults of 12% and 17%, respectively. In Florida and Texas, which have not expanded eligibility, those rates were 21% and 30%, respectively. Adults in Florida and Texas also were more likely to report delaying care because of cost and problems paying medical bills. “These differences stem from a variety of factors, including whether states have expanded eligibility for Medicaid, the state’s uninsured rate prior to the Affordable Care Act taking effect, differences in the cost protections provided by private health insurance, and demographics,” the authors said.