CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Nearly half of all West Virginians relied on government-funded health insurance in 2024, according to a new national analysis examining public healthcare coverage across the United States.
The study found that 46.7% of West Virginia residents were covered through public health insurance programs last year, placing the Mountain State second nationwide. Only New Mexico reported a higher rate.
The report found that more than 491,000 West Virginians received coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), accounting for more than one-quarter of the state’s population.
Meanwhile, more than 456,000 residents were enrolled in Medicare, representing nearly one in four West Virginians. The state’s Medicare participation rate ranked among the highest in the country.
Researchers noted that states with older populations often have higher Medicare enrollment, while Medicaid participation can vary depending on income levels and eligibility requirements.
Nationally, public health insurance programs covered more than one-third of Americans in 2024. Medicare and Medicaid together accounted for more than $2 trillion in healthcare spending across the United States.
The report also found a strong connection between health status and public insurance enrollment. Individuals reporting poor health were significantly more likely to rely on government-funded healthcare coverage than those reporting better health.
New Mexico ranked first in overall public health insurance reliance, followed by West Virginia and Louisiana. Utah reported the lowest rate among all states.
