Nearly Half a Million Teachers Do Not Have Health Insurance, Leaving Some Financially Exposed to Potential COVID-19 Healthcare Costs

Rhea-AI Summary

ValuePenguin's recent study reveals that nearly 500,000 teachers in the U.S. lack health insurance, posing significant financial risks amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Alaska has the highest uninsured rate at over 11%, followed by Texas, Idaho, Florida, and Mississippi, all at 7%. Elementary and middle school teachers face the highest uninsured rates at 34.6%, with a reported 30% increase in uninsured elementary teachers from 2017 to 2018. The study highlights the urgent need for improved health coverage among educators.

Positive

• The study raises awareness about the uninsured rate among teachers, potentially leading to policy changes.

Negative

• The increase in uninsured elementary teachers by over 30% from 2017 to 2018 indicates worsening conditions.

NEW YORK, July 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As concerns over the spread of coronavirus continue to grip the nation, a new debate has ensued over whether or not it's time for teachers and students to head back to the classroom. As plans are put in place, states should consider health insurance coverage across the education profession. Specifically, health insurance coverage for educators. 

ValuePenguin analyzed the teacher population across the U.S. to understand where teachers are at risk and how many teachers are uninsured across the country.

Key findings: 

• Nearly half a million teachers are uninsured, with teachers in the south being the most at risk.
• Alaska leads the nation with the highest uninsured rate among teachers at over 11%. Closely following are Texas (7%), Idaho (7%), Florida (7%), and Mississippi (6%).
• Elementary school and middle school teachers are the least insured individuals in the industry at 34.6%. 
• From 2017 to 2018, the total number of uninsured elementary school teachers increased by more than 30%.
• Teaching assistants represent the next-largest portion of the total uninsured teacher population at more than 29%.

To view the full report, visit: Teacher Health Benefits Study

About ValuePenguin.com: ValuePenguin.com, part of LendingTree (NASDAQ: TREE), is a personal finance website that conducts in-depth research and provides objective analysis to help guide consumers to the best financial decisions. ValuePenguin focuses on value, assessing whether the return of a particular decision is worth the cost or risk of that option, and how this stacks up with the other possible choices they may have. For more information, please visit www.valuepenguin.com, like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter @ValuePenguin.

Media Contact:
Nadia Gonzalez (Mrs.)
Nadia@LendingTreeNews.com

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SOURCE ValuePenguin.com

FAQ

What percentage of teachers are uninsured in the U.S. according to the recent ValuePenguin study?

Nearly 500,000 teachers are uninsured, with specific rates varying by state.

Which state has the highest uninsured rate among teachers?

Alaska leads with an uninsured rate of over 11% among teachers.

What did the ValuePenguin study reveal about health insurance for elementary school teachers?

The study found that elementary school teachers have an uninsured rate of 34.6%.

How did the number of uninsured elementary school teachers change from 2017 to 2018?

The number of uninsured elementary school teachers increased by more than 30%.

How many teaching assistants are uninsured according to the study?

More than 29% of teaching assistants are uninsured.