Number Of CT Uninsured Is Rising

The number of people in Connecticut without health insurance is rising, according to a new report. Last year 14% of state residents under 65 were uncovered. WNPR’s Harriet Jones reports.

This analysis of census data has been undertaken by Connecticut Voices for Children, which says last year more than 400,000 people were without health coverage for the full 12 months. That’s up from 12% in the previous year. But it’s a better rate than that of the nation as a whole which last year saw 19% of children and adults under 65 without insurance.

Children in Connecticut are less vulnerable to lack of coverage, because of state programs such as HUSKY. The census survey found that although the number of children covered by employer-sponsored coverage declined, there was no statistically significant drop in the overall number of children with health insurance.

Connecticut Voices for Children applauds the state’s efforts to enroll more families in HUSKY, and the group is urging policymakers to refrain from making cuts to the program as they consider ways to close the budget deficit.

For WNPR, I'm Harriet Jones.