Health insurance is critical to accessing medical care and financial stability. People without insurance may delay necessary care and forgo preventive care altogether, which can lead to more serious and costly medical problems in the future. A major illness or injury can financially ruin an uninsured family.

In 2021, 11% of Lancaster County residents under 65 were uninsured. This is higher than statewide rate of 7% and the national rate of 10%. Between 2008 and 2021, the county's uninsured rate fluctuated from a high of 15% in 2012 to a low of 11% in 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2021. After lingering around 12% for several years, Pennsylvania's uninsured rate improved starting in 2014 to a low of 7% in 2016 and has stayed around that level since. The U.S. rate similarly improved starting in 2015, from several years of around 17% uninsured, to a rate of 10% uninsured (except for 2019).

Lancaster County had the highest percentage of uninsured people under 65 in 2021, compared to surrounding counties. Lebanon and Berks have the next highest uninsured rate at 8%, with the remaining counties clustered at 6-7%.

Figures are for individuals under 65. Data from before 2008 is not comparable due to a change in the national survey used to collect the information. Data for this indicator are released annually in March, with a 2-year lag.