Uninsured Americans: Numbers and Percentages

Approximately 26–28 million Americans currently lack health insurance, representing about 8–8.3% of the national population. These figures reflect the most recent consolidated data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the CDC for 2025–2026.

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National Uninsured Count and Rate (2025–2026)

Census Bureau (Full-Year Uninsured)

26.7 million uninsured for the entire year

7.9% of the U.S. population

This definition counts only those uninsured for the entire year, making it more restrictive.

CDC NHIS (Uninsured at Time of Interview)

28.0 million uninsured

8.3% of the U.S. population

This definition counts individuals uninsured at the moment surveyed, producing a slightly higher figure.

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Why the Numbers Differ

The Census Bureau measures people who were uninsured for the entire year, while the CDC measures those uninsured at the time of interview. Because individuals frequently gain or lose coverage during the year, the CDC’s estimate is consistently higher.

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Demographic and Structural Trends

Working-age adults (18–64) have an uninsured rate of 11.6%. Children (0–17) have a rate of 5.6%. States that have not adopted Medicaid expansion show nearly double the uninsured rate compared to expansion states (18.1% versus 9.0%). Hispanic adults have the highest uninsured rate at 21.9%, reflecting persistent structural disparities.

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Summary Table

Source	Uninsured Count	Uninsured Rate	Definition
Census Bureau (2025)	26.7 million	7.9%	Uninsured all year
CDC NHIS (2025)	28.0 million	8.3%	Uninsured at time of interview

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Interpretation

The United States has achieved historically low uninsured rates compared to pre‑ACA levels, yet an 8% uninsured rate still represents a substantial structural gap. The burden is concentrated among low‑income adults in non‑expansion states, Hispanic populations, and individuals with unstable employment or intermittent coverage.