Number of uninsured U.S. adults in the Medicaid coverage gap in 2021

In 2021, it was estimated that roughly two million adults fell under the Medicaid coverage gap. These were adults in Medicaid non-expansion states who earned too much to be eligible for Medicaid in their state, but still less than the Federal poverty level, and thus ineligible for Medicaid marketplace subsidy and unable to afford private health insurance. Furthermore, 1.5 million with income between 100%-138% federal poverty level would also become eligible for Medicaid if all states expanded Medicaid coverage. Medicaid coverage provides more comprehensive benefits and lower premiums or cost-sharing than subsidized Marketplace coverage. This statistic illustrates the number of non-elderly uninsured adults in non-expansion states who would be eligible for Medicaid if their states expanded in 2021 (in thousands).