15% of Worth County Residents Without Health Insurance

Around 15% of Worth County residents are without health insurance, an analysis by Upshot, a blog contained in the New York Times found. That is up 1% from last year. Nodaway County is at 13%. Andrew County is at 11%. Gentry and Harrison Counties are at 16%. Ringgold County is at 7%, while Taylor County is at 8%; both numbers were lower than in years past.

States which have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act have higher numbers of uninsured people than states which have. Iowa has expanded Medicaid, while Missouri has not. All figures could go higher after this year because of the sharply higher increases in rates being offered this year. The Supreme Court, while upholding the Affordable Care Act, has ruled that states are not required to pass the Medicaid Expansion portion of the bill.

All Americans who meet certain income thresholds are required to purchase health insurance or face tax penalties by the IRS. Last year's penalty was $95. The annual fee for not having insurance in 2015 when income thresholds are met is $325 per adult and $162.50 per child (up to $975 for a family), or it's 2% of your household income above the tax return filing threshold for your filing status – whichever is greater.