The Uninsured in Oklahoma

  • Nearly one in seven (545,000) Oklahomans is uninsured, 14.2 percent of our citizens. 1
  • Oklahoma ranks second highest in the nation for its percent of uninsured citizens. 1
  • One in 12 Oklahoma children (below 200 percent of poverty) is uninsured, 8.1 percent. 2
  • Oklahoman ranks fourth in the nation for percent of uninsured children. 2
1. According to U.S. Census Bureau, 2017 American Community Survey, one-year estimates. Percentages are rounded.
2. According to U.S. Census Bureau, 2017 American Community Survey, Percentages are rounded.

Uncompensated Care


Oklahoma hospitals provide more than $592 million in uncompensated care annually, according to the American Hospital Association’s annual hospital survey conducted in 2017. Uncompensated care includes the cost of charity care and bad debt. These shortfalls must be “cost shifted” to insurance companies, self-insured businesses, and others who pay for health care services.