June 12, 2025 – A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that more Americans were covered by health insurance in 2020 than in previous years, despite the economic turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings highlight the impact of emergency policies and expanded government programs during a period of historic public health challenges.
Key Findings
According to data released by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), 91.4% of Americans had some form of health insurance coverage in 2020, up slightly from 90.3% in 2019. The increase represents a modest but notable shift, particularly during a time when millions lost employer-sponsored coverage due to job losses.
The report is based on findings from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a nationwide survey that collects data on the health and healthcare access of the U.S. population.
Public Programs Drive the Increase
The CDC attributed the rise in coverage largely to increased enrollment in public health programs, such as Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which expanded in many states as part of the federal response to the pandemic.
Additionally, policy changes under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act helped states retain individuals on Medicaid rolls and made COVID-19 testing and treatment more accessible.
Employer-Sponsored Insurance Dips Slightly
While overall coverage increased, employer-based insurance saw a decline, reflecting the pandemic’s economic effects. In 2020, 54.5% of Americans had employer-sponsored insurance, down from 56.4% in 2019.
This decline was offset by growth in public coverage, with Medicaid covering 21.5% of Americans in 2020, compared to 19.8% the year prior.
Uninsured Rate Drops for Some Groups
The report also found that certain demographic groups saw more significant coverage gains:
- Children under 18 had an uninsured rate of 4.6%, down from 5.1%.
- Low-income households saw improved coverage through Medicaid expansion.
- Latino and Black populations, historically more likely to be uninsured, showed modest gains in coverage access.
A Pandemic-Era Paradox
Experts note the irony that health coverage increased during a time of deep economic instability. “We saw a shift from private to public coverage during the pandemic,” said Dr. Jennifer Taylor, a public health policy analyst. “It underscores the importance of safety-net programs during national crises.”
Looking Ahead
While the increase in coverage during 2020 is a positive indicator, health officials caution that some gains may be temporary. With pandemic-era protections ending or being phased out, the number of uninsured Americans could rise again if new policies are not implemented.
The CDC plans to release more updated insurance data for the post-pandemic years in the coming months, which could shed further light on long-term trends in healthcare access.
