Examining Geographic Variations in Health Insurance Coverage in Georgia Counties, 2006

This study analyzes the relationship between geographic indicators and health insurance status in the state of Georgia in 2006. Health insurance data were obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau Small Area Health Insurance Estimates (SAHIE), which provided information on health insurance coverage at the county level (N=159). These data included county residents ages 65 and younger, and were broken down by gender and income level. Geographic data included county population size (split by quartiles); Metropolitan Statistical Area designation; and state public health districts. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and analysis of variance. Preliminary findings reveal that there are significant differences in health insurance coverage for residents living at or below twice the poverty threshold (F(3, 152) = 3.509, p = 0.017) in the most populous counties compared to the least populous. Also, a weak, positive correlation was found when income was accounted for (r(157) = .346, p = .000), indicating that metro counties have more residents living at or below twice the poverty threshold who lack health insurance. Analyses also revealed significant differences in health insurance coverage based on health district (F(9, 149) = 3.992, p = 0.000). Taken together, these findings indicate that geographic variables should be considered when examining health insurance disparities. Future research is needed to aid policy makers in addressing these geographic differences in health disparities.