Muskie School of Public Service

Maine Rural Health Research Center

Profile of Rural Health Insurance Coverage: A Chartbook

Released June 16, 2009

Co-authors Jennifer Lenardson, Erika Ziller, Andy Coburn, and Nath Anderson have provided a profile of the health insurance coverage and needs of rural persons under the age of 65, describing the risk of uninsurance facing rural residents and the characteristics of the uninsured in rural areas. Analyses of the data reveal a greater proportion of rural residents than urban residents who are uninsured or covered through public sources, especially among those living in remote areas. Health system reform efforts should consider differences in amount and type of health insurance coverage for those living in rural and urban areas.

Rural adults are at high risk of being uninsured compared to rural children. Uninsured rates are highest among adults over age 50 in the most remote rural places, and compared to urban adults, rural adults are less likely to be in employment situations where private coverage is offered.

Section I examines recent estimates and changes since 1997 in rural health insurance coverage. Section II explores differences in the demographic, socio-economic, employment and other risk factors for uninsurance among rural and urban residents. Section III profiles the demographic and economic characteristics of the rural and urban uninsured. Section IV examines differences in the employment characteristics of the rural and urban uninsured. The final section discusses policy implications for covering the rural uninsured. Methods and an appendix of data tables provide source material for the chartbook.

For more information, contact Jennifer Lenardson.