Briefly describe the characteristics of the uninsured population in the United States.

What will be an ideal response?

The uninsured population is generally characterized by three main groups: the working uninsured, the nonworking uninsured, and the medically uninsurable.
• The working uninsured: This group constitutes more than 50 percent of the total uninsured population. These individuals are generally low-wage earners employed by organizations that do not offer health insurance. While the incomes earned in this group are typically above the poverty level, private health insurance continues to be a financially unattainable alternative.
• The nonworking uninsured: This group comprises the second largest group of the uninsured. Incomes for these individuals typically fall below the federal poverty level’ and many are ineligible for state Medicaid programs. Additionally, this group tends to experience longer periods without any form of employment.
• The medically uninsurable: This group constitutes the smallest percentage of the uninsured population. These individuals have preexisting health conditions that prevent them from obtaining insurance through the private market. Health plans often confront them with exorbitant premiums, copayments, and deductibles. As a result, their families endure unrelenting financial distress that may ultimately result in bankruptcy. In addition, this group has a considerable impact on health care providers because much of the care they receive is uncompensated. Thus, it is clear these individuals will be less likely to procure health insurance, placing an economic burden on our health care system.