One hundred thousand laid off workers lost their health insurance in Missouri since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new national report.
In Missouri, 17 percent of non-elderly adults are currently uninsured, according to the report by Families USA, a Washington-headquartered non-profit.
Th total is now 613,000, an increase of 100,000 since February. In terms of increased numbers, Missouri is 15th in the nation.
According to the report, across the country 5.4 million laid-off workers became uninsured. This is 39 percent higher than any annual increase ever record, the organization said.
Jen Bersdale, executive director of of Missouri Health Care for All, noted that the pandemic and economic fallout have led to "huge spike" in unemployment.
"Families USA estimates that 100,000 Missouri workers plus their families have lost health insurance between February and May 2020," Bersdale told the St. Louis Record.
"They estimate that in the 37 states that have expanded Medicaid, about 23% of employees who lose their jobs also become uninsured.
"In states like Missouri that have not yet expanded, 43% of workers who lose their jobs also become uninsured.
"While workers who previously had coverage from their employers can legally qualify for COBRA, it is often simply unaffordable for someone who is unemployed."
Missouri Health Care for All supports the expansion of Medicaid, which is on the ballot of voting Aug. 1.
"The COVID-19 pandemic should make it more clear than ever why Missourians need a strong health care safety net, including Medicaid Expansion," Bersdale said. "Voting to pass Amendment 2 on August 4 will make a better health care system for all of us."
Opponents of the ballot measure, including State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick, have claimed expanding Medicaid will mean cuts in other areas, including education spending.
The expansion will mean an estimated more than 200,000 people, most non-parental adults, will be able to apply for Medicaid.