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Georgia: 2nd Lowest Health Coverage in US, 58% Above National Average

Bader Scott

Tuesday, September 17th, 2024

  • In Georgia 11.7% of residents lack health insurance - 58% above the national average

  • The state struggles with affordability and access, driving up its uninsured rate

  • A personal injury expert calls for urgent healthcare reform to improve access for Americans

New data identifies the states with the highest number of uninsured residents, highlighting a reckless approach to health coverage.

An analysis from personal injury attorneys Bader Scott reviewed recent data from the United States Census Bureau, revealing significant disparities in healthcare access compared to the national average of 7.4% uninsured residents.

The ten states with the highest rate of uninsured residents 

Rank 

 

State 

 

Insured rate 

 

Uninsured rate 

 

1 

 

Texas 

 

83.40% 

 

16.60% 

 

2 

 

 

Georgia 

 

 

88.30% 

 

 

11.70% 

 

 

3 

 

 

Oklahoma 

 

 

88.30% 

 

 

11.70% 

 

 

4 

 

 

Wyoming 

 

 

88.50% 

 

 

11.50% 

 

 

5 

 

 

Florida 

 

 

88.80% 

 

 

11.20% 

 

 

6 

 

 

Nevada 

 

 

88.90% 

 

 

11.10% 

 

 

7 

 

 

Alaska 

 

 

89.00% 

 

 

11.00% 

 

 

8 

 

 

Mississippi 

 

 

89.20% 

 

 

10.80% 

 

 

9 

 

 

Arizona 

 

 

89.70% 

 

 

10.30% 

 

 

10 

 

 

North Carolina 

 

 

90.70% 

 

 

9.30% 

 

Texas ranks first, with 16.6% of the state’s population without health insurance – 124% above the national average. The state continues to face significant healthcare access barriers, leaving many of its residents without essential health coverage.  

Georgia’s uninsured rate is 11.7%, which is 41.88% making it the second least protected state. The state’s healthcare system faces considerable challenges, including affordability and accessibility issues, which contribute to this high uninsured rate. 

Oklahoma also reports an uninsured rate of 11.7%, placing it alongside Georgia in the rankings. Wyoming is fourth, with 11.5% of its population uninsured.  

The state’s rural nature and limited healthcare infrastructure contribute to its relatively high uninsured rate, meaning improving healthcare access in remote areas is essential to ensuring better health outcomes for Wyoming residents. 

Rounding out the top five is Florida, with an uninsured rate of 11.2% - which is 50% lower than the national average.

At the opposite end of the scale, Massachusetts boasts the highest insurance rate, with an impressive 97.6% of its population covered by health insurance. Hawaii follows closely with a coverage rate of 96.5%, while Vermont is third with 96.1%. 

Rhode Island secures the fourth spot, with 95.8% of the state’s residents insured. In fifth place, Minnesota boasts a coverage rate of 95.5%.  

Seth Bader, spokesperson for Bader Scott, commented on the findings: "The analysis highlights the alarming gaps in health insurance coverage across the United States, with states such as Texas, Georgia, and Oklahoma facing the biggest challenges. 

“These alarming findings stress the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare reforms to ensure that all citizens have access to essential health services. 

“As advocates for public health and justice, we urge policymakers to prioritize measures that address the root causes of high uninsured rates. By fostering a system focused on affordability and accessibility, we can work towards creating a healthier, more equitable society where everyone has the coverage they need."