R. Reese Fuller

1.3 million Louisiana residents uninsured

by R. Reese Fuller

Families USA reports that during 2007-2008, 1.3 million Louisiana residents, 36.2 percent of residents under age 65, were uninsured at some point. The health consumer organization estimates that of those, 75.3 perecent went without insurance for six months or more. Other findings include:
â- Nearly three-quarters of Louisiana’s uninsured, or 73.1 percent, were in working families, working full- or part-time.

â- More than half, or 54.3 percent, of those individuals and families in Louisiana with incomes below twice the poverty level — $42,400 of annual income for a family of four in 2008 — went without health insurance at some point in 2007-2008.

â- In addition, one in four, or 25.6 percent, of those individuals and families in Louisiana with incomes at or above twice the poverty level — $42,400 of annual income for a family of four in 2008 — went without health insurance at some point in 2007-2008.

â- While whites accounted for the largest number of uninsured in Louisiana, African Americans were much more likely to be uninsured than whites: 46.3 percent of African Americans went without health insurance in 2007-2008, compared to 29.2 percent of whites.
Read a PDF of the report on Louisiana.