Survey reveals how many Cincinnatians lack health insurance

Two out of every 10 residents of Greater Cincinnati ages 18 to 64 don't have health insurance, according to the results of a survey released today. However, Obamacare could help remedy that.

Poor and undereducated people are more likely to be uninsured, according to the Greater Cincinnati Health Status Survey, which was sponsored by the Norwood-based nonprofit group Interact for Health.

'Having health insurance is a main factor in whether someone seeks appropriate health care in a timely manner,' said Jennifer Chubinski, director of community research for Interact for Health (previously known as the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati). 'We know those without insurance are less likely to get care when they need it.'

Those without health insurance include nearly 37 percent of adults living at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty level ($23,550 for a family of four). By comparison, of those adults living above 200 percent of the federal poverty level ($47,100), only about 7 percent don't have health insurance.

Just 5 percent of college graduates in the Tri-State lack health insurance, while nearly 45 percent of those didn't graduate high school are insured. Nearly 20 percent of high school grads are uninsured.

The national rate for adults without health insurance is 21 percent, slightly higher than the 19 percent for adults in the region that includes eight Ohio counties, nine Kentucky counties and five Indiana counties. About 6 percent of local adults who now have health insurance reported having been without insurance at some point in the previous 12 months.

Brunsman covers Procter & Gamble Co. and health care.