A Comparison of Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Uninsured Individuals in the United States: Health Beliefs and Satisfaction With Providers

Abstract

This study compared three age groups of uninsured adults, young (26-44), middle-aged (45-64), and older (65≥), to examine heterogeneity of the uninsured. The pooled 2000-2007 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey was analyzed (N = 22,246). The findings demonstrated that the three groups were very different regarding their individual characteristics, health service utilization, and health beliefs. Compared with uninsured young adults, uninsured middle-aged individuals reported worse health statuses, paid higher out-of-pocket medical expenditures, and had more positive attitudes toward insurance and health care. Considering the policy goals of the Affordable Care Act, understanding the uninsured by age will facilitate targeted interventions to decrease the number of uninsured.

Keywords: Andersen model; health insurance; the Affordable Care Act; uninsured.