Number of people with private health insurance

In 2025, the number of people with private health insurance is estimated to reach 224.9 million, representing annualized growth of 0.9% from the previous year. The continued expansion in private health coverage during 2025 is largely attributed to the sustained strength of the labor market, as tight labor conditions pressured more employers to provide employer-sponsored plans. Economic improvement following the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic has further supported high employment, enabling more people to obtain private coverage as they reenter the workforce or secure new employment.

During the five years through 2025, the number of people with private health insurance increased at an average annual rate of 0.8%, moving from 216.5 million in 2020 to 224.9 million in 2025. The 0.6% decline in the number of covered individuals in 2020 was primarily due to the spike in unemployment following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing many to lose employer-sponsored insurance. The recovery in coverage began in 2021 as economic activity resumed, driving a 1.2% rise in the number of people with private insurance. Growth between 2021 and 2025 has remained steady, supported by declining unemployment, broader access to jobs, and gradual improvements in economic conditions. Labor market tightness contributed to firms competing for talent by expanding benefits, including private health insurance. Ongoing population growth has also contributed to the rise in the total number of privately insured Americans.

Looking across 2020 to 2025, the number of people with private health insurance rebounded from the pandemic-induced downturn and maintained moderate but consistent growth. Persistent job gains, population growth, and lack of significant legislative changes facilitated expansion in private health insurance coverage.