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The Number Of Uninsured People In The US Is Rising — And May Not Stop

A Gallup survey shows a 1.3 percentage point increase in the uninsured rate in 2017 compared to 2016. That represents roughly 3.2 million people.

By: Lindsey Pulse

Posted at 11:32 AM, Jan 16, 2018

and last updated 2018-01-16 11:32:13-05

The number of uninsured Americans is growing, and it's likely not going to stop anytime soon.

A new Gallup survey shows a 1.3 percentage point increase in the uninsured rate in 2017 compared to 2016 — that represents roughly 3.2 million people. Gallup says that's the largest single-year increase since it started tracking it in 2008.

Every demographic group saw a rise except those age 65 and older. Gallup notes that group is eligible for Medicare.

Experts attribute the trend to a couple things: efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and insurance companies pulling out of health care exchanges or raising their prices.

Gallup says it expects the uninsured rate to continue to rise into 2018 and beyond, especially considering the recently signed tax bill that repeals the individual mandate.

The research company says, "Without this requirement to have health insurance, it is likely that some Americans will drop their coverage."