What does this measure?

The percentage of people under 65 who are not covered by some form of health insurance, including public sources of health coverage such as Medicaid and Medicare.

Why is this important?

Health insurance is critical to accessing medical care and financial stability. People without insurance may delay necessary care and forgo preventive care altogether, which can lead to more serious and costly medical problems in the future. A major illness or injury can financially ruin an uninsured family.

How is our county performing?

In 2019, 8% of Berks County residents under 65 were uninsured. This was similar to Pennsylvania as a whole, and slightly better than the national level, at 11%. Between 2008 and 2018, the county's uninsured rate peaked at 13% in 2011 and 2012 before improving to 7% in 2018. After lingering around 12% for several years, Pennsylvania's uninsured rate improved starting in 2014 to a low of 7% in 2019, while the U.S. rate similarly improved starting in 2014 from several years of around 17% uninsured to 11% under 65 uninsured in 2019.

Berks County's percentage of uninsured people under 65 places it in the middle of its comparison counties. Lebanon and Lehigh counties have the same uninsured rate at 8% for both. Montgomery and Schuylkill counties (at 5% and 6% respectively) have lower rates. Lancaster County (11%) has the highest percentage of uninsured people.

Notes about the data

Figures are for individuals under 65. Data from before 2008 is not comparable due to a change in the national survey used to collect the information. Data for this indicator are released annually in March, with a 2-year lag.

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