Learn About Health Insurance Coverage Rates in Tucson, Arizona MSA

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Percent of Residents with Health Insurance Coverage (2024)

In 2024, the Tucson Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) ranked sixth compared to 12 western metropolitan areas in health insurance coverage. At 91.4%, Tucson's coverage rate was slightly below the national average. Portland reported the highest rate at 94.5%, while El Paso reported the lowest at 78.3%. Several of the lowest-ranking metropolitan areas were in Texas, which had the lowest overall coverage rate among the 10 western states, by nearly six percentage points. Health insurance coverage generally falls into two categories: public or private. In Tucson, insured residents are more likely to have public coverage and less likely to have private insurance than their national peers. This reflects differences in income, employment-based benefits, and eligibility for public programs.

Why is it important?

Health insurance coverage plays a critical role in both individual well-being and the overall health of a community. Individuals with coverage are more likely to access preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and receive treatment, all of which contribute to better health outcomes. Residents without insurance often delay treatment and are more likely to seek care in emergency rooms or public hospitals, thereby increasing the financial burden on states and local communities. For households, being uninsured or underinsured can create significant financial vulnerability. A medical emergency or ongoing health condition can lead to substantial out-of-pocket expenses, contributing to long-term financial hardships.

How do we compare?

In 2024, both Tucson and the state of Arizona reported lower health insurance rates for children than the nation. Coverage among the working-age population in Tucson also lagged behind the nation. In contrast, nearly all adults age 65 and over had high coverage rates due to near-universal enrollment in Medicare.

The white, non-Hispanic population reported the highest rate of health insurance coverage in 2024 for Tucson, Arizona, and the nation at 95.1%, 94.0%, and 94.5%, respectively. Coverage rates for the Asian population followed close behind in each geography. In Tucson, the American Indian and Alaska Native population had the lowest coverage rate among racial groups. Those identifying as Some Other Race, Two or More Races, or indicating Hispanic ethnicity also reported comparatively lower rates of health insurance coverage, highlighting persistent disparities across population groups.

Tucson reported a lower share of individuals with private health insurance in 2024 than both Arizona and the nation. Insured individuals generally fall into three categories: public coverage, private coverage, or a combination of both. Private insurance includes coverage obtained through an employer or union, plans purchased directly, or military-related coverage such as TRICARE. Public insurance includes programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Administration (VA), and other government assistance plans. Just over 21% of Tucson’s population had both private and public insurance. This group often includes individuals enrolled in Medicare who also maintain supplemental private insurance.

How is it measured?

Health insurance coverage estimates reflect the civilian, non-institutionalized population and exclude active-duty military personnel and individuals living in correctional facilities and nursing homes. These data are from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), a rolling survey that annually produces one-year and five-year estimates on demographic, social, housing, and economic measures.