What Causes Lack of Health Insurance Coverage?

Lack of health insurance coverage is often the result of a combination of factors. Employment status, financial problems and health problems are all reasons why coverage can be difficult to obtain.

Employment Issues

• Since most people obtain health insurance coverage as a benefit of employment, employment issues are a leading reason for a lack of health insurance coverage. Those who are self-employed, are unemployed and whose COBRA coverage has expired or who had coverage through a spouse who is no longer employed are likely to be without health insurance coverage.

Cost Issues

• Health insurance coverage is often unaffordable both for those who are employed and those who are not. Coverage offered through an employer may come with premiums that are too costly or deductibles that make the coverage too expensive. For those who are self-employed or unemployed, buying private health insurance, which is often twice as expensive as that offered through employers, may be financially unfeasible.

Health Issues

• Pre-existing health conditions may delay health insurance coverage or make it impossible to afford. For those who are offered health insurance coverage through an employer, coverage for pre-existing conditions may be delayed for a period of months. Those without access to a group plan may find that insurers are unwilling to offer coverage for those with pre-existing conditions. If coverage is available, pre-existing conditions may make it very expensive.