Number of Women Lacking Health Coverage Increasing, Census Study Finds
Despite an overall decrease in the number of uninsured in 2000, the number of women without health insurance rose last year, according to U.S. Census data commissioned by the March of Dimes. The number of women aged 15 to 44 who lacked health coverage increased by 109,000 women from 1999 to 2000, or from 17.8% to 18%. Of the 38 million uninsured Americans, about 30% are women of "childbearing age." The Census data also found that 37% of Hispanic women in the 15-44 age group are uninsured, a rate two times the "overall" uninsured rate, according to the March of Dimes. In comparison, 16.7% of white women in that age group lacked health coverage. The data also indicated that insurance status for women "varies widely" by state. New Mexico has the highest rate of uninsured among women with 30.7%, followed by Texas, which has a rate of 26.4%. Rhode Island and Minnesota have the lowest rates at 6.2% and 8.8%, respectively. The data also show the number of uninsured children under age 19 dropped from 12.9% in 1999 to 12.0% in 2000. Dr. Jennifer Howse, president of the March of Dimes, said, "While the news about improved health coverage of children is encouraging, we remain concerned that 11 million -- more than one in six -- women of childbearing age continue to go without health insurance and that number is on the rise," noting that the declining economy will likely lead to an increase in the number of women without coverage. Howse added that "more work must be done to ensure that the 9.2 million children still without insurance obtain coverage." To help increase the number of children with coverage, March of Dimes volunteers will provide information to parents on state CHIP programs at Kmart stores around the country on Oct. 27, "Make a Difference Day" (March of Dimes release, 10/17).
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