Uninsured Women

Health insurance is important for ensuring that women consistently receive affordable medical care. It has been shown to support positive health outcomes in communities by lowering mortality rates, incentivizing use of local resources, and reducing financial strain on individuals and families.

Women without insurance are less likely to be able to afford healthcare, often delaying or forgoing it entirely due to cost – including  necessary, preventative reproductive care. Uninsured individuals rely heavily on emergency care units, often for preventable injuries that could have been treated at a lower cost with insurance coverage. The consequences can be deadly for Oklahomans in particular, as large portions of the state are considered healthcare deserts where it is already difficult to access timely care (See Access to Care in Rural Areas). 

Nationally, women are less likely to be insured than men. However, they’re more likely to qualify for health insurance coverage through Medicaid  (see Women Enrolled in Medicaid/SoonerCare). One reason for this is that compared to male counterparts, women often have lower incomes and meet requirements for public assistance programs related to having children or caregiving. 

The percentage of Americans covered by insurance has increased nationally over the years, in large part due to the Affordable Care Act and policies extending and expanding coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oklahoma is one of several states that chose to expand Medicaid coverage for low-income adults in 2020, further reducing the number of Oklahomans without coverage. 

For women who remain unable to access public or private insurance, the state offers some women’s health services at little or no cost. The Oklahoma Cares Program provides breast cancer/cervical cancer treatment, helping over 30,000 uninsured women since the program’s inception in 2005. The Take Charge program is another source of information and offers accessibility to additional women’s wellness screenings.