What does this measure?

The percentage of people who are not covered by some form of health insurance, including public programs such as Medicaid and Medicare.

Why is this important?

Health insurance is critical to families’ and individuals’ access to care, financial security and peace of mind. Those without insurance may delay getting needed care and forgo preventive care altogether, which can lead to medical problems that are more serious and expensive to treat. Insurance allows the often-high cost of health services to be spread out over many years and facilitates risk-sharing across the population. Financial ruin can be the result if an uninsured family must cope with a major illness or injury. In addition, charity care provided by hospitals to those without insurance drives up the cost of private insurance and the tax burden.

How is the Greater Capital Region performing?

In 2005, 9% of residents of all ages in the region did not have health insurance, lower than the 13% reported statewide and 15% for the nation. This was about level with the 8.6% uninsured in 2000, the only other year for which data are available. The statewide rate declined slightly in the same period, and the national rate was up somewhat. Schoharie County has the highest rate of uninsured residents (11%) while Saratoga County had the lowest rate (7%) in 2005.

Notes about the data

CGR calculated percentages using Census population estimates.