Health Insurance Coverage and the Uninsured in Michigan

Characteristics of the Uninsured and Individuals with Select Health Insurance Coverage in Michigan: Non-Elderly Population

This report is based on U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Survey (CPS) data as reported for Michigan. Some researchers believe that CPS estimates of the uninsured may be high due to data collection and analysis techniques.

Foreword

The Michigan Department of Community Health is pleased to release the 2008 edition of Characteristics of the Uninsured and Individuals with Select Health Insurance Coverage in Michigan. This report describes the uninsured, as well as those who have employer-based and individually purchased health insurance coverage in Michigan through easy-to-use charts, graphs, and tables based on the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey (CPS). This report also builds upon six preceding reports by the department: Estimating the Uninsured Population, July 1995; Characteristics of Health Insurance in Michigan, May 1997; and Characteristics of the Uninsured and Select Health Insurance Coverage in Michigan, October 2001, November 2003, July 2006, and June 2007.

Given the changing nature of the health insurance market, it is important to have accurate information about the uninsured, as well as the insured, as we work to improve access to health care. Information in this document can help guide policymakers in developing action plans and aid them in determining whether health care initiatives are actually increasing access to care. These basic descriptive data, in an easily accessible format, are intended to help those working to improve health care coverage and access for Michigan residents.