Stafford, K.G. rank high on coverage

BY BILL FREEHLING

Working-age residents in King George and Stafford counties are among the most likely in Virginia to have health insurance, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released this week.

In both counties, 89.3 percent of residents under the age of 65 were insured as of 2010. Only Falls Church, which topped the state list with a 91.8 percent coverage rate, and Loudoun, Hanover and Goochland counties ranked higher.

King George and Stafford were likely boosted by a relatively high percentage of government jobs due to their proximity to military bases.

The statewide estimate was 85.2 percent in Virginia, 21st-best in the country. Massachusetts had the highest coverage rate at 94.8 percent; Texas was last at 73.7 percent.

Spotsylvania County placed 22nd among Virginia’s 134 localities with 86.5 percent of its residents having health insurance. Caroline County  tied for 56th with an 83.6 coverage rate, and Fredericksburg was tied for 88th at 81.9 percent.

Highland County had the state’s lowest rate at 75.2 percent.

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