A third of Americans had problems paying medical bills in 2012

Nearly half of all working age Americans—84 million people—were uninsured or underinsured for health coverage in 2012, the Commonwealth Fund has found in its latest analysis of the Biennial Health Insurance Survey.1

The bright spot in the survey was an improvement in health insurance coverage for young adults aged 19 to 25 years. The number not insured in 2012 declined by 1.9 million, from 13.6 to 11.7 million. However, 41% of this group remained without health insurance coverage.

Sara Collins, lead author of the report, said: “This is likely the result of the [Accountable Care Act (ACA)] requirement that allows young adults to stay on their parent’s policy to age 26.” There are no data …